EXCLUSIVE: Watermelon Pictures has acquired U.S. distribution rights to The Glassworker, the debut feature from Pakistani director Usman Riaz, which was Pakistan’s official submission for Best International Feature and Best Animated Feature to the 97th Academy Awards.
The deal was closed during Cannes and negotiated by Hamza Ali for Watermelon Pictures and Hélène Espeisse on behalf of Charades, which is representing the film at this year’s Marché Du Film.
The Glassworker is a romantic, coming-of-age drama—and Pakistan’s first-ever hand-drawn animated feature. Set in a fictional, European-inspired country on the brink of war, the film follows Vincent, a young glassblower, and his father Tomas, whose peaceful life is disrupted by the arrival of a military colonel and his daughter Alliz, a gifted violinist. As tensions escalate, Vincent and Alliz’s relationship becomes a quiet act of resistance, challenging the ideologies around them.
“The Glassworker is a breathtaking, emotional story that will resonate deeply with audiences of all ages. We are honored to bring this cinematic gem to U.S. theaters,” said Watermelon Pictures Co-Founder Hamza Ali.
Film production and distribution company Watermelon Pictures was launched in April, 2024 by brothers Hamza Ali and Badie Ali in April, 2024, with Alana Hadid as Creative Director. Rooted in Palestinian culture and creativity, its wider remit is to amplify the voices of underrepresented filmmakers across the globe.
It has had a busy a first year for the company with first acquisitions and releases including Oscar shortlisted From Ground Zero, which was Palestine’s official entry to the 97th Academy Awards, as well as The Encampments.
“We are thrilled that The Glassworker will be released theatrically in the United States by Watermelon Pictures. Their rapid growth and recent string of successful, meaningful films make them the perfect partner to bring our work to American audiences. We couldn’t be more excited,” said the film’s producer Khizer Riaz.
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