Dhaka, May 25 -- Bangladesh has made a historic debut at the Cannes Film Festival, with its short film "Ali" earning a Special Mention in the official competition section.

This is the first time a Bangladeshi movie has received recognition in one of the festival's main competitive categories.

Directed by Adnan Al Rajeev and written by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Romero, Ali was honoured by the jury of the 78th Cannes Film Festival's Short Film Competition.

The award was announced during the festival's closing ceremony on Saturday at the iconic Grand Theatre Lumiere in the Palais des Festivals.

The Special Mention was presented by German filmmaker Maren Ade, head of the short film jury.

As she named Ali among the honourees, Rajeev, seate...