Adnan Al Rajeev’s ‘Ali’ bound for Spain after Cannes honour

"Ali" a 15-minute Bangladeshi short directed by Adnan Al Rajeev, has been selected for the official short-film programme at the 70th Valladolid International Film Week (Seminci) in Spain. The festival runs from October 24 to November 1.

The film arrives in Valladolid on the back of international acclaim: "Ali" earned a Special Mention from the jury in the short-film section at the 78th Cannes Film Festival — a milestone recognition for Bangladeshi cinema on one of the world's most prestigious screens.

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

Photo: Collected

Producers on the project include Tanvir Hossain of Bangladesh and Christine D. Leon of the Philippines, with Runout Films credited as line production. The film represents a growing trend of international co-production for Bangladeshi shorts, pairing local storytellers with overseas partners to reach broader festival audiences.

Speaking about the film's trajectory, the creative team has emphasised the story's universal reach: director Adnan Al Rajeev has said the film speaks to "those who shelter themselves in silence under pressure," and the producers hope the Valladolid screening will extend the film's festival run across Europe.

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