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Contributions of Pakistani Diaspora to the Entertainment Industry

Explore the impact of the Pakistani diaspora on entertainment, featuring "The Glassworker" and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

The contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to the country’s entertainment industry are significant and multifaceted. Let’s explore the impact through the lens of specific projects and notable figures, including the animated film “The Glassworker,” the acclaimed filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and the recent success of Pakistani artists at the Grammy Awards.

Pakistan’s First ever hand drawn animated movie “The Glassworker”

“The Glassworker,” directed by Usman Riaz, holds a special place in Pakistan’s animation landscape as the country’s first hand-drawn animated feature film. This film showcases not only artistic ingenuity but also the struggle faced by creators in Pakistan’s nascent film industry, which lacks government support & incentives.

Kickstarter poster of Pakistan's first hand-drawn animated feature film "The Glassworker" [Kickstarter]
Kickstarter poster of Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated feature film “The Glassworker” [Kickstarter]

Usman Riaz, inspired by the global standards set by studios like Japan’s Studio Ghibli, sought mentorship across various countries before. His endeavor emphasizes the challenges Pakistani filmmakers encounter, leveraging crowdfunding to raise $116,000 to kickstart his studio, Mano Animations.

The cultural essence encapsulated in “The Glassworker” aims to put Pakistan firmly on the global animation map, fostering hope for a blossoming animation sector.

Usman Riaz, founder of Mano Animations and director of "The Glassworker"
Usman Riaz, founder of Mano Animations and director of “The Glassworker”

Also See: The Glassworker to represent Pakistan at 2025 Oscars

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Influence

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has emerged as one of the most notable figures representing Pakistan’s film industry on international platforms. A recipient of multiple Academy Awards, Obaid-Chinoy’s documentaries often shine a light on critical social issues, such as gender inequality, human rights, and cultural narratives that resonate beyond Pakistan.

Her animated films, such as “3 Bahadur,” mark significant milestones, increasing the representation of Pakistani stories in mainstream media.

Pakistani-Canadian filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
Pakistani-Canadian filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

Obaid-Chinoy’s work in “3 Bahadur,” which became a commercial success, demonstrates her commitment to instilling values of bravery and resilience among the youth in Pakistan.

Additionally, her recent projects, including directing episodes of “Ms. Marvel,” underscore the blend of local narratives with global storytelling in the entertainment domain.

PAYF Insights are social media threads by various authors, reproduced here for wider consumption.

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