Adnan Al Rajeev's short film 'Ali' has achieved a significant milestone for Bangladeshi cinema, receiving a Special Jury Mention at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. This recognition marks a notable achievement for the country's film industry on an international stage. The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival concluded on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
'Ali,' a 15-minute film directed by Adnan Al Rajeev, centers around a young boy in a coastal town where women are forbidden to sing. The film stars Al Amin and explores themes of defying norms and pursuing dreams. The film was screened at Cannes on Friday, May 23, 2025.
The jury for the short film competition was headed by German director Maren Ade, along with Reynold Marcos Green, Kyamelia Jordana, Jose Maria Prado Garcia, and Nebojsa Slijepcevic. This award highlights the growing recognition of Bangladeshi talent in global cinema and marks the first time a Bangladeshi film has won an official award at Cannes.