Sumit’s ‘Master’ selected for Rotterdam Int’l Film Fest
Online Desk:
‘Master’, a political thriller by Rezwan Shahriar Sumit—best known for The ‘Nona Joler kabbo (The Salt in Our Waters)’—has been selected for the upcoming 55th edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). The film will compete in one of the festival’s two major competitive sections, the Big Screen Competition.
The Big Screen Competition showcases films that combine artistic excellence with commercial appeal. The winning film in this section will receive a prize of €30,000 (approximately BDT 3.8 million), along with comprehensive support for theatrical release in the Netherlands.
Many internationally renowned filmmakers, from Christopher Nolan to Bong Joon-ho, gained early global recognition through this festival. This year’s IFFR will present some of the finest films from around the world, with ‘Master’ standing out as a key attraction from Bangladesh.
‘Master’ is Sumit’s second feature-length film. According to a press release, it tells a story of politics, conflict, and humanity. Running 122 minutes, the narrative revolves around Zahir, an idealistic schoolteacher who wants to live by his principles while balancing his school, family, and personal values. Under mounting pressure, Zahir eventually becomes an elected Upazila Chairman. As he tastes power, his life is shaken by a series of conflicts. Caught between public expectations, unjust demands, and his own conscience, the film explores whether Zahir can hold on to his ideals or transforms into someone else altogether.
The lead role is played by Nasir Uddin Khan. Other important roles are portrayed by Azmeri Haque Badhan, Zakia Bari Mamo, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Sharif Siraj, Tasnova Tamanna, Aminur Rahman Mukul, and Mahmud Alam. Cinematography was handled by Tuhin Tamijul, while production design was led by Indian designer Jonaki Bhattacharya.
The director stated that ‘Master’ was conceived specifically for the big screen, with maximum attention given to its technical aspects.
The film was edited by Kristan Sprague, an Academy member and editor of the Oscarnominated film Judas and the Black Messiah. Music was composed by Los Angeles–based Taiwanese composer Hao Ting Shi, who blends local and international musical influences to add a distinctive dimension to the film’s atmosphere.
Notably, the film’s colour grading, sound design, and sound mixing were completed at world-class studios in Seoul and Busan, South Korea (C47, Wavelab, and Busan Sound Stage). The work was supervised by Korean editor Steve M. Choe (Bong Joon-ho’s Snowpiercer) and sound designer Han M’huan (Burning), with contributions from Bangladeshi sound editor Shaib Talukdar and director Sumit.
Supported by the Bangladesh government’s National Film Grant, ‘Master’ acclaimed ‘Nona Joler kabbo (The Salt in Our Waters)’, which won the National Film Award for Best Film.
It is also worth noting that at the upcoming 55th IFFR, Bangladesh will be represented by more than one film: Mezbaur Rahman Sumon’s ‘Roid’ has been selected for the festival’s main competition, while Tawkir Islam’s ‘Delupi’ has been chosen for the Bright Future section.