Bangladesh achieved a significant milestone at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) with the political thriller “Master,” directed by Rezwan Shahriar Sumit, clinching the esteemed Big Screen Award in the festival’s competitive Big Screen Competition segment. Festival officials announced that “Master” emerged victorious following a unanimous decision by the jury, triumphing over 11 other films in the same category. As a token of recognition, the film was granted a cash prize of €15,000 (around Tk 21 lakh).
Furthermore, the distributor who secured the Dutch distribution rights for the film will also receive an additional €15,000 in backing from the festival, a move anticipated to bolster the movie’s market potential in Europe.
Described by the jury as a timeless narrative depicting a man’s battle to preserve his ethical principles, “Master” intricately illustrates the gradual transformation of an idealistic individual under the captivating yet destructive influences of power and capitalism. Amidst a backdrop of vivid visuals, dynamic settings, and a diverse array of authentic supporting characters, the lead actor masterfully portrays the protagonist’s moral dilemma, ultimately exposing the overpowering allure of authority.
The jury panel for the Big Screen Competition was composed of Jan-Willem van Eijk, Sara Ishaq, Luc Luca, Chris Oosterom, and Mila Schlingemann.
