Adnan Al Rajib’s short film “Ali” has been selected for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
This 15-minute film has earned a spot in the Short Cuts competition alongside films from six other countries. Rajib shared the news in a Facebook post.
He wrote, “Another milestone for the film Ali. After receiving honorable recognition at Cannes and premiering at the Melbourne International Film Festival, we are now beginning an incredible journey in North America. Being part of the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival is a huge achievement for us.”
The Toronto International Film Festival will begin on September 5 and run until September 14. Rajib mentioned that the film team will depart for Toronto on September 5.
Meanwhile, Ali will also be screened at the ongoing 78th Melbourne International Film Festival in Australia. The film’s first screening there was on Friday, with a second scheduled for August 18.
At this year’s 78th Cannes Film Festival, Ali received a Special Mention from the short film jury. This marks the first time a Bangladeshi film has been officially recognized in the main competition section at Cannes.
Ali tells the story of a teenage boy living in a coastal town in Bangladesh where women are forbidden to sing. But Ali has a female singing voice. His mother tries to hide his voice, yet Ali dreams of entering a singing competition in the city.
Director Rajib said, “This film is not just about Ali or Bangladesh; it is for all the ‘Alis’ around the world — those who are silenced by pressure and find refuge in silence.”
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
