Historic Debut for Pakistan’s First Hand-Drawn Animated Film
A Groundbreaking Opening Weekend
Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film, The Glassworker, has made history. It achieved a remarkable opening weekend box office collection of over Rs10 million. The film is currently playing in over 30 cinemas and on more than 200 screens. This unique moment in Pakistan’s film landscape has attracted animation enthusiasts and movie fans alike.
Strong Support from Pakistani Audiences
Nadeem Mandviwalla, the owner of Mandviwalla Entertainment, expressed his delight. “The Glassworker has opened strongly at the box office all over Pakistan. We are very happy with our cinema-going audience’s response. This is a first-of-its-kind film from Pakistan. Its release could have been risky, but the audience has shown it is willing to accept quality work in any form.”
Backing Innovative Cinema
Faizan Mubarak, an executive at Geo Films, highlighted the company’s commitment. “Geo Films always endeavors to back new and out-of-the-box films for the Pakistan cinema audience. We are proud to be presenting partners of The Glassworker. It is wonderful to see how overwhelmingly the local audience has supported it.”
Achieving the Impossible
A representative of Mano Animation Studios reflected on the film’s success. “We have achieved the impossible with this film. I am so glad people in Pakistan are enjoying a movie we all worked so hard to create.” The film’s debut has sparked interest across all age groups.
Unique Storytelling and Artistic Vision
Directed by Usman Riaz and Mairam Riaz Paracha, The Glassworker showcases Usman Riaz’s unique storytelling. Inspired by the Studio Ghibli style, the film’s success is a new chapter in Pakistani cinema. It follows Geo Films’ previous hits like Khuda Kay Liye, Teefa in Trouble, The Legend of Maula Jatt, and The Donkey King.
A Decade-Long Journey
In an interview with BBC, Usman Riaz shared the extensive journey behind the film. “These 10 years for me have just been purely driven by passion and obsession. The film’s production took four years, but the entire journey took 10 years. I was 23 when I started, and I am 33 now.” This dedication has culminated in a groundbreaking film.
Release and Future Prospects
The Glassworker was released across Pakistan on July 26, 2024. Its success signals a bright future for the country’s animation industry. As the first hand-drawn animated film in Pakistan, it has set a high standard. The film’s impressive opening weekend and positive reception highlight the potential for unique and high-quality cinematic experiences in Pakistan.
Conclusion
The Glassworker is not just a film; it is a testament to passion and dedication. Its success marks a significant milestone in Pakistani cinema. The film has demonstrated that there is a growing appetite for diverse and innovative storytelling. As The Glassworker continues to play in cinemas, it stands as an inspiration for future filmmakers. It is a proud moment for Pakistan’s film industry.