Written by: Ayesha Amir
Posted on: March 12, 2025 | 
| 中文
Nooray Zeeshan as Maira and Mujtaba Hasan as Bilal.
Friendship is often seen as a unique bond because it bears the test of time, but what happens when time and circumstances begin to fray its threads? Fading Ribbons, directed by Okasha Rajpoot and produced by Agha Ali, is a touching short film that explores this very theme of the emotional complexities associated with adolescent friendships, diving into the confusing distance and heartache that comes with human connection.
Shehzil Shakil as Neha
The film follows Maira (Nooray Zeeshan), a 14-year-old girl who finds herself amidst a painful position. The bond between her and her once-close neighbor, Neha (Shezil Shakeel), is at a breaking point after Neha has mysteriously taken to pushing Maira away. The film opens with a close up of Maira, distraught and preoccupied with the confusion of Neha’s behaviour. What was once a cherished friendship has gradually eroded, leaving Maira feeling isolated and frustrated. It is not until she turns to her trusted schoolteacher (played by Mujtaba Hasan) for guidance that her emotions get detangled. The story, though simple on the surface, is an important commentary on the pain of losing a friend. The best standout of this film is the fact that this portrayal comes not through dramatic betrayals, but through the slow drift of time and change.
Nooray Zeeshan as Maira
Okasha Rajpoot, the creative force behind Fading Ribbons, has steadily made a name for himself in Pakistan’s indie film circuit. Known for his ability to craft deeply personal yet resonant stories, Rajpoot’s filmmaking style blends realism with subtle emotional storytelling. His work centers on human relationships, and Fading Ribbons is no exception, with its strength lying in how it portrays everyday experiences with such sincerity. Since its release, Fading Ribbons has been recognized at various film festivals, which is a proud moment for Pakistani Indie films. The short film was an official selection at the Gandhara Film Festival and won Best Debut Filmmaker at the New York International Cult Film Festival. Additionally, the film was awarded Best Indie Short Film at the AFA Anatolian Film Awards. These accolades are a testament to the film’s strong storytelling and artistic execution, consolidating its place in contemporary Pakistani short cinema.
Fading Ribbons won many accolades
Another standout in the film are the performances. The actors emote in a way that felt natural and heartfelt: Nooray Zeeshan as Maira, carries the emotional weight of the film with remarkable authenticity; Shezil Shakeel, playing Neha, brings a quiet depth to the character, embodying the unspoken tension that often accompanies growing apart. Her portrayal seems so authentic that it instigates the audience to resent her character. The supporting performance by Mujtaba Hasan playing teacher Bilal, however, is very effective and important. His character arguably is a very important one, even more so than the drama taking place between Maira and Neha. This is because the character of a sincere teacher symbolizes the presence of, as well as the importance of, a caring supervising individual whose support hinders Maira from completely breaking apart. Why this must have resonated with the audiences is because we all can reminisce about that one teacher in our lives, who performed their role with sincerity like one’s mother or father. Their support and emotional reliability make us find a meaning in life, and less lonely. It is thus that Maira’s frustration towards Neha, although emotionally taxing, does not “ruin” her life because of her teacher’s support, who sees through her potential and encourages her to apply for an interschool art competition.
Maira's Polaroids with red tones.
Film theory enthusiasts would love this short film, because Fading Ribbons is heavily laden with symbolism open for interpretation. It employs a soft, warm palette that enhances its nostalgic and melancholic tone. The cinematography is intimate, often focusing on small, telling gestures, such as a glance by Maira, a hesitant step forward by Neha, a small private smile to himself by Bilal. These details contribute to the film’s emotional impact without relying on overt dramatization, but the most interesting part remains the use of the colour red. A red ribbon, symbolizing the tie between the two friends, appears like a motif throughout the film. Red in their hair, red in their shirts, and then red paint with which Neha tragically vandalizes Maira’s painting. Even in the polaroids in Maira’s room, we see a tone of red. Red is a symbol of love and passion, but it also symbolizes anger, power, danger and sacrifice. These are apt themes that perfectly reflect what the story is trying to portray. It is this cinematic choice that makes the ending scene more impactful – Neha looking after Maira’s leaving car with the red ribbon in her hand. Does she regret the tie that she severed with her close friend? It is open to interpretation.
Neha with the red ribbon in the ending scene
It is thus that Fading Ribbons is a beautifully crafted story on friendship, change and the yearning to hold onto what once was. Okasha Rajpoot’s direction, with strong performances and meaningful cinematography, makes this film a must-watch for those who appreciate quiet, yet profound storytelling. In its exploration of a fading friendship, the film serves as a reminder that while some bonds may fade, the memories and emotions they leave behind are never truly lost.
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