‘Ali’ heads to Canada’s Festival du nouveau cinéma after Cannes acclaim

Adnan Al Rajeev's acclaimed Bangladeshi short film "Ali" has been officially selected for the Festival du nouveau cinéma (FNC) in Quebec, Canada — one of the world's leading platforms for experimental and independent cinema.

The 15-minute short will compete in the festival's International Competition segment, screening at the Quebec Cinematheque's Fernand-Seguin Room on October 12 and October 17.

"We're thrilled to share that our short film 'Ali' has been officially selected for the Festival du nouveau cinéma - FNC in Quebec, Canada, one of the most prestigious platforms for innovative and impactful cinema from around the world. This selection is not just a recognition of the film, but also a celebration of independent Bangladeshi storytelling making its mark on the international stage," the film's team announced on social media.

The selection adds to the film's growing list of international achievements. "Ali" was earlier chosen for the official short-film programme at the 70th Valladolid International Film Week (Seminci) in Spain, scheduled from October 24 to November 1.

The film also made headlines after earning a Special Mention from the jury in the short-film section at the 78th Cannes Film Festival — a milestone for Bangladeshi cinema on one of the world's most prestigious platforms.

Set in a conservative coastal town where women are forbidden to sing in public, "Ali" follows a young boy blessed with an uncanny female voice who hides his gift while secretly dreaming of entering a singing competition. The title role is played by Al Amin, with principal photography completed in Sylhet last November.

The film's producers include Tanvir Hossain of Bangladesh and Christine D Leon of the Philippines, with Runout Films serving as line production. The project marks an emerging trend in international co-productions for Bangladeshi short films, blending local narratives with global collaboration.

Director Adnan Al Rajeev described the film as speaking to "those who shelter themselves in silence under pressure." The producers hope the Valladolid screening will further extend 'Ali's' reach across Europe.