Bangladeshi film has secured a place in Cannes’ prestigious short film competition.
In a historic moment for Bangladesh’s film industry, director Adnan Al Rajeev’s short film Ali has been officially selected for the Short Film Competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.
This marks the first time a Bangladeshi production will compete for the coveted Short Film Palme d’Or (Palm d’Or for shorts), placing Bangladesh on the global cinematic map alongside the world’s finest.
The official announcement was made through the Cannes Festival’s press release, listing Ali among the select few chosen from thousands of global submissions. Official Announcement Here.
Directed by Adnan Al Rajeev, Ali is produced by Tanvir Hossain from Bangladesh and Christine De Leon from the Philippines, with line production by Runout Films. Executive producer Md. Habibur Rahman Tarek noted the team’s confidence from the outset, stating, “We knew that international audiences would connect with the story. This selection is a testament that we are now capable of producing world-class cinema.”
Although festival rules limit what can be disclosed about the film ahead of its premiere, Rajeev hinted that Ali explores the discovery of inevitable truths through a personal journey, approached with simplicity and sincerity. Filmed in Sylhet, Bangladesh, in November 2024, the project represents a deeply personal vision brought to life with universal appeal.
Producer Tanvir Hossain believes this milestone will inspire a new generation of Bangladeshi filmmakers. “Short films are often overlooked here,” he said. “Yet it’s through these very works that young talents hone their craft. Securing a spot in Cannes shows that we, too, are creating world-standard films.”
Adding to the celebration, Ali is not the only production from their film collective to be recognised this year. The core team behind Ali—operating under the production house ‘Catalogue’, founded by Rajeev, Hossain, De Leon, and Arvin Belarmino—also produced the Filipino short Agapito, directed by Arvin and Kyler, which will likewise compete for the Short Film Palme d’Or.
Having two productions from a single collective in the same year’s official selection is a rare and remarkable achievement, highlighting a promising new cinematic bridge between South and Southeast Asia.
As Cannes prepares to celebrate its 78th edition, Bangladesh’s historic debut promises to bring a fresh and vibrant voice to the global stage—proving once again that powerful storytelling knows no boundaries.
