Adnan Al Rajeev’s ‘ALI’ wins Best Short Film at KIMFF

Bangladeshi short film “ALI” has won the Best Short Film award in the International Competition section at the prestigious Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF), adding another major international recognition to its growing festival journey.

Directed by Adnan Al Rajeev, the film received the award at the Nepal-based festival, with Prabin Kumar Rawat accepting the honour on behalf of the team.

Announcing the achievement, the filmmakers expressed gratitude to the festival jury, selection committee, and organisers for recognising the project. The team also congratulated director Adnan Al Rajeev and everyone involved in the production.

“ALI” has already drawn international attention following its historic selection in the Short Film Competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it received a Special Mention — becoming the first Bangladeshi short film to achieve that distinction.

Set in a conservative coastal town where women are forbidden from singing, the 15-minute Bangladesh-Philippines co-production follows a teenage boy who joins a singing competition while hiding a secret about his voice.

Starring Al Amin and Indrani Soma, the film explores themes of identity, self-expression, and social restriction. It was produced under Katalog Films in collaboration with Narra Studios, Barebones Inc, and Getafixxi.