After earning global praise at Cannes, Adnan Al Rajeev’s short film ‘Ali’ is set to continue its international journey, this time to Canada. The Bangladeshi production has been officially selected for the Festival du nouveau cinéma (FNC) in Quebec, one of the world’s most prominent showcases for innovative and independent filmmaking.
The 15-minute film will compete in FNC’s International Competition segment, with screenings scheduled at the Quebec Cinematheque’s Fernand-Seguin Room on October 12 and 17.
Sharing the news on social media, the Runout Films, Ali’s production team, wrote: “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. ALI will compete in the International Competition segment of the festival, alongside powerful works from across the globe.”
The FNC selection marks yet another milestone in Ali’s rising festival circuit success. The short film previously earned a Special Mention from the jury at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, a rare honour for a Bangladeshi production, and has also been officially chosen for the 70th Valladolid International Film Week (Seminci) in Spain, taking place from October 24 to November 1.
Set in a coastal town bound by strict traditions where women are forbidden to sing publicly, Ali tells the poignant story of a young boy with an extraordinary female singing voice. Torn between his gift and the fear of social judgment, he dreams of entering a singing competition that could change his life.
The title role is played by Al Amin, with principal photography completed in Sylhet last November. The film was produced by Tanvir Hossain (Bangladesh) and Christine D Leon (Philippines), with Runout Films handling line production, a collaboration that reflects the growing trend of cross-border co-productions in Bangladeshi short films.
Director Adnan Al Rajeev described Ali as a story “for those who find strength in silence.” The team hopes the film’s European festival run will amplify Bangladeshi cinema’s evolving voice in global storytelling
