Bangladeshi Short Film ‘Ali’ Receives Special Recognition at 78th Cannes Film Festival
The Bangladeshi short film Ali, directed by Adnan Al Rajeev, has earned special recognition at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. The film received a Special Mention in the Short Film category, as announced on Saturday, the closing day of the festival.
Ali was screened at Cannes last Friday. Ahead of its premiere, Prothom Alo asked director Adnan Al Rajeev, “Your film is screening tomorrow — how do you feel?”
Adnan replied, “It’s giving me goosebumps.” He shared that he was eager to gain feedback from international film critics, directors, and producers.
He further stated, “I’ve always believed that when you speak the truth, everyone can feel it, no matter who they are. I will face them as a filmmaker, telling my own story in my own language. I’m not afraid, because I know this is my truth.”
With 18 years of experience in directing dramas, commercials, and films, this recognition stands out as one of the most heartwarming achievements of his career.
Speaking about the production of the 15-minute short film Ali, Adnan shared that it was filmed in various locations across Sylhet last December. The entire shoot was completed in five consecutive days.
Though the film was originally made with the intention of submitting it to festivals, Adnan never imagined it would be selected for screening at Cannes. After receiving the nomination, he told Prothom Alo, “We never really thought about the Cannes Film Festival. It all feels like a dream. Our goal was to make a film. Then we stumbled upon a unique idea, and I felt then that we should pursue it.”
Adnan also mentioned that he co-founded a production company called Catalogue last year with fellow Bangladeshi director Tanvir and two friends from the Philippines. Although the company was initially inactive, Ali became its debut production. They submitted the film to Cannes in February and were later informed of its nomination.
According to the official Cannes website, Ali tells the story of a coastal town where women are forbidden to sing. A teenager secretly joins a singing competition for a chance to move to the city, hiding his true voice in a dark and mysterious way. The titular role is portrayed by actor Al Amin.
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