The Bangladeshi short film “Ali,” directed by Adnan Al Rajeev, continues its celebrated journey on the international stage with an official selection at the 70th Valladolid International Film Week (Seminci) in Spain. This prestigious event, running from October 24 to November 1, will showcase the film following its remarkable success at Cannes.

The 15-minute film has already made history for Bangladeshi cinema, securing a Special Mention from the jury in the short film category at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. This accolade marks a significant moment, bringing a story from Bangladesh to one of the world’s most revered cinematic platforms.

Set in a conservative coastal community where public singing is prohibited for women, “Ali” tells the poignant story of a young boy blessed with a beautiful, feminine voice. Forced to conceal his talent, he secretly nurtures the dream of one day competing in a singing contest. The titular character is brought to life by actor Al Amin, with the film having been shot in Sylhet last November.

Produced through a collaboration between Bangladesh’s Tanvir Hossain and the Philippines’ Christine D. Leon, with line production by Runout Films, “Ali” exemplifies the growing power of international co-productions. This model is enabling local Bangladeshi narratives to achieve a global footprint and resonate with worldwide festival audiences.

The creative team behind the film highlights its universal message. Director Adnan Al Rajeev notes that “Ali” is a tribute to “those who are compelled to hide their true selves and voices.” With its upcoming screening in Valladolid, the producers aim to captivate European audiences and extend the film’s successful festival tour.

Dhaka’s art scene has welcomed a new institution, the Priyo Bangla Art Gallery, which inaugurated its space in Banglamotor with a special group exhibition.

The venture is led by Mehrin Hossain, the Executive Director known for founding Mati fashion house, and convened by the esteemed artist Kazi Kibria. The inaugural show, running for two weeks from September 20, serves as a tribute to the legacy of the late artist and sculptor Hamiduzzaman Khan.

The exhibition showcases a diverse collection of 45 pieces from 30 artists, featuring both paintings and sculptures. The roster includes celebrated names such as Abdus Sattar, Abdul Mannan, Ivy Zaman, Wahid Zaman, and Mohiuddin Ahmed.

Visitors can appreciate a range of artistic styles and subjects. Highlights include Abdus Sattar’s woodcut print “Nature,” which delves into the intricate textures of red water lilies, and Abdul Mannan’s serene acrylic landscape of the same name. Samar Majumder’s “Friends” captures a moment of shared conversation between two women, while Mohiuddin Ahmed’s “The Elephant” presents a detailed ink drawing inspired by folk art traditions.

According to convener Kazi Kibria, the gallery’s core mission is to champion new and rising talents in the Bangladeshi art world. “We intend to create opportunities for young artists by hosting their solo exhibitions in an engaging and personal environment,” he stated. Future ambitions for the space include organizing art camps, workshops, and establishing a dedicated art library.

The works on display were largely conceived during a two-day workshop held in Gazipur last February. The exhibition is scheduled to conclude its run today.

Bangladesh has nominated the film Barir Naam Shahana, directed by Leesa Gazi, for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled to be held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

With this selection, Leesa Gazi becomes the first Bangladeshi woman filmmaker to represent the country in this prestigious category.

The film has already earned international recognition, having won the Gender Sensitivity Award at the Mumbai Film Festival in 2023.

The announcement was made on Saturday during a “Meet the Press” programme organised by the Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. A six-member jury selected Barir Naam Shahana from a shortlist of five Bangladeshi films.

Other films considered for nomination included Mayna (Monjurul Islam Megh), Priyo Maloti (Shankha Dasgupta), Saba (Maksud Hossain), and Nakshi Kanthar Zamin (Akram Hossain Khan).

The jury panel featured Federation president Mohammad Zahirul Islam, film critic Sajjad Sharif, cinematographer Rashed Zaman, filmmaker Shaheen Dill-Riaz, producer-representative Shahreen Akter Sumi, and Dhaka University academic SM Imran Hossain.

Barir Naam Shahana portrays the life of a woman growing up in rural Bangladesh during the 1990s within a conservative social environment. The lead role is played by Aanon Siddiqua, alongside performances from Lutfur Rahman George, Iresh Zaker, Kazi Ruma, Naila Azad, and Jayanto Chattopadhyay.

The film’s selection is being seen as a landmark moment for Bangladeshi cinema, particularly highlighting the growing role of women filmmakers on the global stage.