On January 11, 2025, Awartsy unveiled the striking pre-release poster for its upcoming animated short film, Under the Blaze, a poignant exploration of child labor and rights in Pakistan. Set to premiere later this year, the film delves into the harsh realities faced by children in the country’s brick kiln industry, promising a powerful narrative inspired by true stories and firsthand experiences.
Awais Shaukat, who also served as the film’s storyboard artist, has poured his heart into this deeply personal project. The storyline is inspired by his firsthand experiences visiting brick kilns, where he and his team met families whose children were trapped in cycles of forced labor. “I want to shed light on this grim reality,” Awais shared. “These children deserve a chance at education and a better life.”
Produced by Rafhan Shaukat under the Lahore-based production studio Awartsy, the film features a script by Omar Bin Safia and an original story developed by Awais. Together, the team aims to amplify awareness and advocate for meaningful action against child labor.
Child labor remains a pervasive issue in Pakistan, with an estimated 5.7 million children aged 10-17 engaged in labor across various industries. Of these, 74% work in brick production and agriculture, two sectors notorious for exploiting underage labor. According to UNICEF, 40-66% of working children in these industries endure grueling conditions, often at the cost of their education and basic rights.
Among children aged 14-17, the prevalence of labor reaches 15.5%, with boys disproportionately affected (12.7%) compared to girls (5.9%). Many of these children come from impoverished families, driven to work by financial necessity, systemic poverty, and a lack of opportunities.
In Punjab alone, over 10,000 brick kilns employ an estimated 126,557 workers under the age of 14. These young laborers face harsh conditions, including prolonged hours, unsafe environments, and a lack of basic protections.
The Under the Blaze team is determined to take the film to international film festivals, aiming to draw global attention and support for combating child labor. Designed as a launching pad for justice, the film aspires to inspire communities and policymakers to implement impactful measures to eradicate child labor in Pakistan.
In a country where child labor is entrenched in economic hardship and societal norms, Under the Blaze offers a message of hope and resilience. Awartsy’s team believes that this film is not just an animated story—it’s a call to action for a future where every child can dream freely, unburdened by the weight of labor.
