In a bold effort to shed light on the pressing issue of child labor in Pakistan, the film production company Awartsy has unveiled the pre-release poster for its animated short film, Under the Blaze. Directed by 20-year-old Awais Shaukat and produced by his elder brother, Rafhan Shaukat, the film aims to address the harsh realities faced by children working in hazardous conditions, particularly in the brick kiln industry.
Scheduled for release later this year, the film’s primary objective is to highlight the struggles of children trapped in exploitative labor, bringing attention to the urgent need for change. The poster, released on January 11, 2025, features a poignant depiction of a child standing under the blazing sun in a field—a striking representation of the hardships endured by children in brick kilns.
Awais drew inspiration for the film from firsthand experiences at brick kilns, where he met families whose children are caught in this cycle of exploitation. Despite his vision and determination, Awais faces significant challenges as the manager of the project. Financial difficulties have slowed production, making it a challenge for him to balance filmmaking with his studies at the National College of Arts.
“Bringing this story to life is not just about making a film; it’s about advocating for change,” Awais stated. He hopes Under the Blaze will be featured at international film festivals to spread awareness about this critical issue.
Child labor remains a pervasive problem in Pakistan, with an estimated 5.7 million children engaged in various forms of labor. The brick kiln industry is particularly notorious, employing over half a million workers, including approximately 640,000 children who work in harsh conditions for long hours. These children often come from impoverished families, further perpetuating the cycle of exploitation.
The agricultural sector also struggles with child labor, with about 70% of child laborers working in this field. Many children work on cotton and sugarcane farms, which account for two-thirds of child labor cases in agriculture.
Born and raised in Bhawana, Punjab, Rafhan Shaukat is a visionary 3D artist, entrepreneur, and film producer who has made significant contributions to Pakistan’s animation industry. He co-founded Blacksmith Animation Studios in 2019, where he served as CEO and Creative Director until its closure in 2024. That same year, he and his younger brother Awais founded Awartsy, a Lahore-based animation company dedicated to promoting art and raising awareness of social issues.
“Working on Under the Blaze has been a deeply personal journey for both Awais and me,” Rafhan shared. “This film isn’t just for entertainment—it’s meant to educate audiences and shed light on the harsh realities of child labor.”
The 2D animation style of Under the Blaze draws inspiration from Disney and Studio Ghibli, featuring traditional hand-drawn animation and emotionally resonant storytelling. The film connects with audiences on a deep level, illustrating the injustices faced by children forced into labor that should be done by adults.
Despite the financial and logistical hurdles slowing production, both Awais and Rafhan remain confident that their hard work will inspire people to take a stand against child labor in Pakistan. The brothers emphasize their commitment to using film as a medium to give a voice to these children and share their stories, with the ultimate goal of creating a future free from exploitation.
