Published: : May 25, 2025, 11:38 AM
In a landmark achievement for Bangladeshi cinema, Ali, a short film directed by Adnan Al Rajeev, received a Special Mention in the Short Film category at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. This marks the first time a Bangladeshi film has been officially selected and recognized in Cannes' short film competition.
Ali explores a deeply personal narrative set in Sylhet, filmed in November 2024, and touches on themes of truth, memory, and marginalization. The film was praised for its sincerity and emotional resonance.
Reacting to the international honor, Rajeev stated:
“This is absolutely special to us, definitely for Bangladesh as well. This is the first time we are getting a big award, which is surreal for us. As we know, Bangladesh is going through a political turmoil, in this situation, this achievement is like a fresh breath of air. This is giving us hope and positivity for Bangladesh.”
He added that storytelling grounded in truth was at the heart of Ali, and emphasized the power of local voices in global cinema.
Produced under the banner of Catalogue—a collaborative initiative linking filmmakers across South and Southeast Asia—Ali’s recognition at Cannes is expected to boost the growing wave of Bangladeshi independent cinema and inspire more international participation.
This recognition not only elevates the country’s presence in world cinema but also brings a sense of hope and cultural pride during a sensitive period for Bangladesh.
