“Ali,” a Bangladeshi short film directed by Adnan Al Rajeev, has secured a spot in the official short film program at the 70th Valladolid International Film Week (Seminci) held in Spain from October 24 to November 1. The movie has gained recognition internationally, receiving a Special Mention at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in the short film category, marking a significant achievement for Bangladeshi cinema on a global stage.
The storyline of “Ali” is set in a coastal town where women are not allowed to sing publicly. It revolves around a young boy with an extraordinary female voice who keeps his talent hidden while aspiring to participate in a singing competition one day. Al Amin portrays the lead character, with principal filming conducted in Sylhet in November of the previous year.
The film’s production involves Tanvir Hossain from Bangladesh and Christine D. Leon from the Philippines as producers, and Runout Films is acknowledged for line production. This project reflects a growing trend in Bangladeshi short films of collaborating with international partners to expand their presence in various film festivals.
The creative team behind the film highlights its universal appeal, with director Adnan Al Rajeev noting that the story resonates with those who face challenges by remaining silent. The producers are looking forward to the screening at Valladolid to extend the film’s festival reach across Europe.