The short film Ali, directed by Adnan Al Rajeeb, marks a remarkable milestone in the history of Bangladeshi cinema. The film was selected for the Short Film Competition section at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in 2025, bringing international recognition and pride to the country. It is the first Bangladeshi film to be officially selected in the short film category at Cannes, demonstrating that filmmakers from Bangladesh possess the storytelling and filmmaking skills required to compete on a global stage.

Although Ali runs for only 15 minutes, its production reflects deep thought and excellent craftsmanship. Filming took place in various locations around Sylhet in November 2024. Director Adnan Al Rajeeb revealed that the film explores an inevitable truth within human life, but it does so with a very simple and sensitive approach. The filmmaker expressed that instead of telling the story on a grand canvas, he chose to portray it through silent emotions and small moments. The characterization and visual language of the film are so delicate and heartfelt that they quickly find a place in the audience’s hearts.

The film was produced with the involvement of the international production house Catalog, which serves as a collaborative platform for filmmakers from South and Southeast Asia. Founding members include Adnan Al Rajeeb, Bangladeshi producer Tanvir Hossain, and Filipino filmmakers Christine De Leon and Arvin Belarmino. Such cross-border cooperation helps Bangladeshi cinema gain wider global exposure, and Ali stands as an excellent example of this collaborative spirit.

Ali had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2025, with two screenings held on the same day — an official festival premiere and a special showing at the Palais. Following its screening, the film received warm appreciation from audiences and critics alike. Later, it was awarded a Special Mention in the Short Film Competition category, a historic achievement for Bangladesh since no Bangladeshi film had previously received this recognition. Director Adnan described this honor as an inspiring message for the Bangladeshi filmmaking community.

Following Ali’s selection at Cannes, the Government of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs took special responsibility for the film. The ministry covered expenses related to the film team’s travel, accommodation, and other necessities to ensure their participation at the festival. Additionally, private initiatives arranged for the air tickets of the lead actor, Al Amin, to travel to Paris. Cultural Advisor Mostafa Sarwar Farooki stated that this support is not merely about attending an international festival but is a vital example of presenting Bangladeshi culture on the world stage. He further emphasized that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will stand behind any effort that shapes the country’s cultural image, regardless of the field.

The short film Ali has not only gained international recognition but also become a new source of inspiration for young filmmakers in Bangladesh. The story, direction, and global acclaim prove that Bangladeshi filmmakers have the capacity to captivate both national and international audiences. It is widely expected that such achievements will encourage the creation of bolder, original, and globally competitive short films in the future, further enhancing the country’s cinematic reputation.

In conclusion, Ali is not just a short film; it is the beginning of a cultural movement. Its success demonstrates that with the right storytelling techniques and filmmaking skills, even limited budgets and shorter runtimes can secure a place on the international stage. The accomplishment of Adnan Al Rajeeb and his team will be remembered as a new landmark in the history of Bangladeshi cinema.