Cannes: Ali, a short film directed by Bangladeshi filmmaker Adnan Al Rajeev, has made history by earning a special mention in the Short Film Palme d'Or category at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in 2025.
This marks the first time a Bangladeshi short film has received recognition in competition at Cannes. The 15-minute Bangladeshi-Philippine co-production tells the story of a teenage boy in a conservative coastal town where women are forbidden to sing.
Determined to escape to the city, the boy enters a singing competition, hiding his authentic voice in a controversial way that challenges local norms.
Filipinos Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero co-wrote the film's emotionally charged narrative. Filipina producer Kristine De Leon and Bangladeshi producer Tanveer Hossain brought the project to life.
Of nearly 4,800 submissions, Ali was one of just 11 short films selected for the Cannes 2025 Short Film Competition. The festival's official platforms celebrated the film's inclusion, signaling a proud moment for South Asian and Southeast Asian cinema.
Director Adnan Al Rajeev shared his emotional response on social media, calling the honor a dream come true and expressing pride in representing Bangladesh. In recognition of this achievement, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in Bangladesh awarded the filmmakers an honorarium and celebrated the film as a cultural milestone.
Cultural advisor Mustafa Sarwar Farooqi praised the recognition, stating it reflects the global potential of Bangladeshi cinema when backed by creativity and collaboration.
