It’s not every day an animated movie emerges from Pakistan — and if it’s feature length, 2D hand-drawn animation, that’s virtually unheard of coming from this region of South Asia. For Usman Riaz, creator, animator, co-composer and director of The Glassworker, it took dedication and perseverance to bring this first-of-its-kind animation from Pakistan in front of a global audience.

Produced by Khizer Riaz, Manuel Cristobal (Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles), and Riaz, and executive produced by Apoorva Bakshi (Delhi Crime), The Glassworker is contending for a Best Animated Feature nomination at the 97th Academy awards. An Urdu-language narrative, the story revolves around childhood sweethearts — an apprentice glassblower learning from his father in their artisan glass shop, and a gifted violinist struggling to find her own unique voice. Set during a time of war and in a location loosely inspired by Pakistan, the story follows both characters...