Bangladeshi filmmaker Adnan Al Rajeev's short film Ali continues to make waves on the international stage, earning widespread acclaim and an ever-growing list of accolades. Adding to its impressive streak, the film has recently won the Youth Jury Award at the 70th Valladolid International Film Festival (Seminci) in Spain.
One of Europe's oldest and most prestigious film festivals, Valladolid—fondly known as Seminci—is celebrated for its legacy of championing artistic and thought-provoking cinema from across the globe. Winning at such a renowned platform marks a proud moment not only for the team behind Ali but also for Bangladeshi cinema as a whole.
Since its festival circuit debut, Ali has been unstoppable—garnering critical praise and multiple awards for its storytelling, performances, and cinematic depth. The latest recognition at Valladolid further cements Adnan Al Rajeev's reputation as one of Bangladesh's most promising contemporary filmmakers.
It is worth mentioning that Ali received a Special Mention in the Short Film Competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, along with another Special Mention at the Kyiv International Short Film Festival (KISFF). It was also nominated for Best Short Form (Scripted) at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2025.