Directed by Adnan Al Rajeev, ‘Ali’ has been selected for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The 15-minute short has been included in the festival’s Shortcuts Competition alongside films from six other countries.
The director announced this news in a post on Facebook that read: “Ali is another milestone for cinema. After receiving a prestigious recognition at Cannes, and premiering at the Melbourne International Film Festival, this time it is the beginning of an extraordinary journey in North America. Being able to participate in this 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is a huge achievement for us.”
The festival will run from September 5 to 14. Rajeev confirmed that the team will travel to Toronto on the opening day. Meanwhile, Ali is also screening at the ongoing 78th Melbourne International Film Festival in Australia, with its first showing on August 15 and the second set for August 18.
Earlier, Ali received a Special Mention from the jury in the short film section at the 78th Cannes Film Festival — the first time a Bangladeshi film has been recognised in the main competition at Cannes.
The film’s story centres on a teenager living in a coastal town in Bangladesh, where women are forbidden to sing. Ali, however, can sing in a female voice. While his mother tries to conceal this talent, he dreams of moving to the city to take part in a singing competition.
Al Amin plays the title role. Filming took place in Sylhet in November last year.
“I made this film not only for the Ali in cinema, nor just for Bangladesh, but for Alis everywhere — those who take refuge in silence under pressure,” Rajeev said.
Ali was produced by Tanvir Hossain of Bangladesh and Christine de Leon of the Philippines, under the banner of Runout Films.