Echoes of a Smile

Muskaan, a young woman who recently lost her modeling career, struggles to find happiness. During a visit to a photographer, a picture of herself smiling lifts her spirits, surprising her relieved family. She becomes fixated on decorating the photo, and while her parents find her joy unusual, her sister Asha believes Muskaan has found peace. However, when Asha finds Muskaan collapsed, the family learns the heartbreaking truth: Muskaan had been hiding a terminal illness, wanting to be remembered for the joy she shared in her final days.

  • Areeba Umer
    Director
  • Areeba Umer
    Writer
  • Areeba Umer
    Producer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Muskaan
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Mystery, Drama
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 31, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    900 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Pakistan
  • Country of Filming:
    Pakistan
  • Language:
    Urdu
  • Shooting Format:
    35mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:19
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Institute of Business Management
  • Karachi
    Pakistan
    July 1, 2025
    Gandhara Film Festival
    Official Selection
  • Queens Film Festival
    new york
    United States
    January 31, 2025
Distribution Information
  • Myco
    Distributor
    Country: Pakistan
    Rights: All Rights, Internet, Paid TV
Director Biography - Areeba Umer

A student filmmaker with a passion for storytelling through the lens. Blending creativity and technical skill to bring fresh, bold ideas to life. Always learning, always exploring the art of visual expression.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This film is inspired by the relationships that many of us, especially from Brown families, experience with our parents and loved ones. Growing up in such a family, I’ve seen how, even though love is always present, it can sometimes be buried under harsh words, misunderstandings, and unspoken resentments. We’ve had moments when we said things we didn’t mean, whether in anger or frustration, but once those words are out, they can stay with others for a long time. What often happens is that these words define how the other person perceives us, even though they don’t represent who we really are.

This is a common experience in brown families, where emotions are sometimes hidden behind and love is shown in indirect ways. Ultimately, this film is about the struggles and emotional challenges that come with family relationships, but it’s also about the healing power of forgiveness, understanding, and love. Even when certain words can tear us apart, they can also help us come back together if we are intending to do it.