Ali (2025 film)
| Ali | |
|---|---|
Official poster | |
| Directed by | Adnan Al Rajeev |
| Written by | Arvin Belarmino, Kyla Danelle Romero |
| Screenplay by | Arvin Belarmino Kayla Danelle Romero |
| Produced by | Tanveer Hossain Kristine De Leon |
| Starring | Al Amin Indrani Soma |
| Cinematography | Qamrul Hassan Khasru |
| Edited by | Taiful Shadeen |
Production companies |
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Release date |
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Running time | 15 minutes |
| Countries | Bangladesh Philippines |
| Language | Bengali |
Ali is a 2025 Bangladeshi-Philippine short film directed by Adnan Al Rajeev, starring Al Amin as Ali and Indrani Soma as his mother.[1][2][3] The short film had its world premiere in the Short Film Competition of the 78th Cannes Film Festival on 22 May 2025, where it received a Special Mention, marking the first Bangladeshi entry in the short film competition's history.[4][5][6]
Plot
In a conservative coastal town where women are forbidden from singing, a teenage boy named Ali defies tradition by entering a singing competition. He hopes to win a chance to move to the city, but his participation harbors a deeper, more sinister secret.[7]
Cast
- Al Amin as Ali [8]
- Indrani Soma as Ali's mother
Production
Ali is a co-production between Bangladesh and the Philippines. The film was written by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero, and produced by Tanveer Hossain and Kristine De Leon under KATALOG FILMS, with additional support from NARRA POST-PRODUCTION STUDIOS, BAREBONES INC, and GETAFIXXI.[5] Post-production, including sound and grading, was handled in the Philippines due to limited facilities in Bangladesh.[4]
Filming took place in various locations across Sylhet in December 2024. The shooting was completed over five consecutive days.[9]
Release
The film had its world premiere at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on 22 May 2025, as part of the Short Film Competition.[10] It was the first Bangladeshi film to be selected for this category and received two screenings on the same day.[11]
Reception
At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Ali received a Special Mention in the Short Film Palme d’Or category, recognizing its storytelling and direction.[6][11] This marked a historic achievement for Bangladeshi cinema.[12] Director Adnan Al Rajeev commented on the competition, stating, "As expected, the nominated short films at Cannes are incredibly powerful in terms of storytelling, direction, and presentation."[4]
References
- ^ "Adnan's 'Ali' makes history at Cannes". Daily Star. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ^ প্রতিবেদক, বিনোদন (2025-05-25). "কানে বিশেষ স্বীকৃতি পেল 'আলী'". Prothomalo (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ "Bangladeshi short film 'Ali' earns special recognition at Cannes". Prothomalo. 2025-05-25. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ a b c "Filipino-Written Film 'Ali' Wins Cannes Special Mention". Rolling Stone Philippines. 24 May 2025. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Adnan Al Rajeev directorial short film 'Ali' set to premiere at Cannes today". The Daily Star. 23 May 2025. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ a b "The 2025 Cannes Film Festival Award Winners". Next Best Picture. 24 May 2025. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ "ALI". Festival de Cannes. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ "আলীর মতো গায়কদের উৎসর্গ করছি: রাজীব". Bangla Tribune (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ প্রতিবেদক, বিনোদন (2025-05-25). "কানে বিশেষ স্বীকৃতি পেল 'আলী'". Prothomalo (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ "The films of the Official Selection 2025". Festival de Cannes. 10 April 2025. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Special Mention for Short Film - ALI by Adnan AL RAJEEV - Photocall". Festival de Cannes. 24 May 2025. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ "2025 Cannes Palme d'Or Winner: Jafar Panahi It Was Just an Accident". The Hollywood Reporter. 24 May 2025. Retrieved 25 May 2025.