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It’s a historic Oscar season for Pakistan and the Pakistan Academy Selection Committee (PASC) jury couldn’t be more proud of where Pakistani cinema is heading in the international circuit.

In a statement issued by the committee, it said that for the first time in history, a Pakistani film has been an Oscar submission in not just one, but two categories. For this year’s Oscar submission, the PASC shortlisted the Usman Riaz-directed, 2D-animated, hand-drawn feature film, The Glassworker, as its official selection for Oscar consideration.

When the call for submissions for the 2025 Academy Awards was announced, The Glassworker managed to be eligible in two categories — a historic first — for Best International Feature Film and Best Animated Feature.

The film also recently won the Osler Best Feature Film Award at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival and the Audience Prize at the 10th Asian World Film Festival held in Los Angeles at the end of 2024.

Set in a war-torn country, The Glassworker tells the story of a young glassworker named Vincent Oliver and his evolving friendship with violin prodigy Alliz Amano. As they grow up amidst conflict and personal turmoil, they struggle to navigate their dreams, relationships, and the impact of the war on their lives. The film is a poignant exploration of artistry, love, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Mohammed Ali Naqvi, chairman of the PASC, shared, “This selection marks a historic milestone, as The Glassworker is Pakistan’s first 2D hand-drawn animated feature and the country’s first animated feature to ever be submitted for the Oscars. Usman and Mano’s work has not only demonstrated exceptional storytelling and artistry but has also broken new ground for the animation industry in Pakistan. This is an achievement that will be remembered in the annals of our cinematic history.”

This year’s Pakistani selection committee comprised a distinguished group of industry professionals, including Saqib Malik (director and filmmaker), Waseem Akram (cricketer and commentator), Abid Aziz Merchant (producer), Mohib Mirza (actor, director and writer), Humayun Saeed (actor and producer), Vasay Chaudhry (actor and writer), Alina Khan (actor), Kanwal Khoosat (director, writer and production designer), Anam Abbas (producer and director), Afia Nathaniel (director, writer and editor), Arooj Aftab (composer and Grammy-winning artist), Fizza Ali Meerza (producer), Moneeza Hashmi (producer and former general manager of PTV), and Akbar Hamid (marketing executive and founder of Fluid Film TV, actor).

While the PASC can’t talk about the selection process, they have a lot to say about where Pakistani cinema is headed.

● Saqib Malik: “Despite all the obstacles, Pakistani cinema continues to explore varied themes and be recognised and appreciated at festivals abroad. A new generation of filmmakers with authentic, bold voices is experimenting with both content and style, striving to make cinema that breaks barriers at home, while also resonating universally.”

● Afia Nathaniel: “It’s really exciting to see a growing number of Pakistani filmmakers making inroads into the hearts of global audiences with films that dare to dream and dare to push the envelope on storytelling.”

● Abid Aziz Merchant: “I’ve had the opportunity in the last few years to attend various film festivals and producing labs where I interacted with international audiences, film critics, journalists, artists and filmmakers. Pakistani cinema which has managed to reach a global audience specially films which have premiered at major festivals across the world in recent times are labeled as ‘Authentic, Sincere and Genuine’.”

● Anam Abbas: “Pakistani cinema is quickly gaining interest as a place to find exciting and fresh cinematic voices that are sophisticated and original, and able to attract audiences across a spectrum and beyond the obvious or previously expected.”

● Moneeza Hashmi: “Pakistani cinema abroad is now winning hearts after many years. The journey has been long and arduous but the results are now appearing slowly but surely.”

● Alina Khan: “As the first trans actress and committee member in Pakistani cinema history, I’m honoured to represent a new chapter for our industry. Pakistani films now reach global audiences, showcasing stories reflecting our culture, resilience, and diversity. I hope this moment inspires acceptance and pride — not only for trans voices but for all facets of Pakistani identity — as the world embraces our cinema.”