The Last Witness - By Farwa Ali Syed

Written By: Farwa Ali Syed

Category: Script writing- Screenplay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the captivating screenplay "The Last Witness," Farwa Ali Syed brings a compelling narrative to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. As a participant in the Creative Writing category, Syed crafts a tale filled with intrigue and familial tension. Set in the bustling café of Kliff Town, the story follows Saleha, a young woman searching for her aunt, only to uncover a deeper mystery. This engaging piece promises to draw readers into a world of unexpected twists and emotional depth.

About the Work

"The Last Witness" presents a masterful blend of suspense and emotional complexity. Through vivid imagery and authentic dialogue, Farwa Ali Syed captures the essence of a young woman's quest amidst her strained familial relationships. The screenplay's atmosphere is tense, building a palpable sense of urgency and anticipation. Themes of responsibility, loss, and the bond between family members are intricately woven, creating a narrative that resonates on multiple levels.

The Last Witness

Original Submission by Farwa Ali Syed

The Last Witness

ACT I

INT. COLDBREW CAFÉ - AFTERNOON

The door bell chimes as SALEHA ,20, enters into the most bustling café of KLIFF TOWN as she places her sunglasses on her head.

Saleha’s eyes dart across each table, looking for AUNT SARAH.

LINA MYERS ,47, her hair tied in a bun, wipes the countertop with a grey cloth.

LINA

Afternoon Saleha.

Lina smiles warmly and continues wiping the countertop.

SALEHA

Afternoon Mrs. Myers.

Saleha replies a bit lost and with a visible frown.

Lina stops cleaning and looks up at Saleha, concerned.

LINA

Something the matter dear?

Saleha breaks away from her thoughts.

SALEHA

Um...no.

She walks closer to the counter.

SALEHA

Uh...Mrs. Myers have you seen a brunette woman come in here? about this tall, wearing a black coat?

Saleha gestures the height with her hand.

LINA

Sorry dear, I see hundreds of brunettes in here every day. Looks like a chocolate sea from way over here.

Lina chuckles.

Saleha forces a small smile, though the worry has not left her face.

LINA

Now, you have a nice day dear.

Lina disappears into a door to the kitchen.

Saleha stands there alone and lost in thought about where her aunt could be.

EXT. MAPLE STREET – AFTERNOON

Saleha walks out of the café as she sees a woman with a black coat on her phone, on the other side of the street. A spark of joy splashes on her face. She speed-walks towards the zebra crossing, hoping the woman turns around to see her.

Saleha crosses the street in a hurry, earning a few agitated horns from drivers.

SALEHA

Sorry!

Saleha skips.

As she reaches to the pavement the woman turns around and is not her aunt. All the bliss drained out of Saleha’s face as she completely stopped her pacing.

INT. LIVING ROOM - EVENING

LATER

Saleha is in her pajamas and grabs her pink mug with hearts, full of tea and takes a sip.

ADAM, Saleha’s father,49, (O.S)

Are you sure she wasn’t there?

Saleha keeps her mug down.

SALEHA

Yes! I even asked Mrs. Myers, she probably left.

Adam comes out of the kitchen and crosses the kitchen counter.

ADAM

Of course she did. Because you were late.

Saleha lifts her focus from her mug and turns to her father with a slight expression of disbelief on her face.

SALEHA

Dad. You know I had an emergency with my friend, Eliza, you can’t just-

Adam cuts Saleha off.

ADAM

Can’t just what, Saleha?

Saleha looks at her father.

ADAM

You know your aunt is a crucial witness in this case and ever since your grandfather passed, you know things haven’t always been the same with her.

Saleha frowns and looks down.

ADAM

And instead of meeting with her like you had promised you decided to abandon her and go help some friend out.

Saleha gets up.

SALEHA

Ok dad, I think-

Adam raises his voice.

ADAM

No!

Saleha backs up and hesitates.

Adam’s voice cracks.

ADAM

Just...no.

Adam sniffs.

Saleha exhales silently.

Adam walks away and Saleha is left standing in the kitchen, both upset.

Saleha’s phone rings.

She picks it up from the table.

A notification lies on the screen.

UNKNOWN

We have your aunt

Saleha freezes.

CUT TO BLACK

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, showcases a diverse range of literary talents from around the world. This prestigious event celebrates creativity and expression through various categories, including poetry, short stories, and creative writing. Participants are given a platform to share their unique voices and narratives, contributing to a global dialogue of artistic exploration and innovation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Farwa Ali Syed for sharing "The Last Witness" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 highlights the power of storytelling and its ability to connect and inspire. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your creative endeavors in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.