Bangladeshi cinema has made a spectacular mark on the world stage. Master, the latest film by politically conscious director Rezwan Shahriar Sumit, has won the coveted Big Screen Award at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in the Netherlands, a recognition that industry experts are calling a historic moment for the country’s film industry.
The award, which carries a €15,000 cash prize for the director and an additional €15,000 for the Dutch distributor, comes as a strong endorsement of Sumit’s narrative, performances, and technical execution. The jury praised Master as “a universal story about a person striving to hold onto their moral compass, only to be reshaped by the persuasive and destructive forces of power and capitalism.”
Set against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s July Revolution in 2024, Master chronicles the journey of a schoolteacher drawn into local politics, facing moral dilemmas, corruption, and the seductive pull of power. Nasir Uddin Khan leads a talented cast, supported by Ajmeri Haque Badhan, Zakia Bari Mom, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Lutfar Rahman George, and Sharif Siraj, bringing the complex social and political realities of the upazila-level power struggle to life. The film’s vivid visuals, layered storytelling, and morally complex characters drew particular acclaim from the Rotterdam jury.
Rezwan Shahriar Sumit, son of Awami League presidium member and former Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzak, has long been known for politically engaged filmmaking. A vocal supporter of the youth-led uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina in 2024, Sumit has consistently used cinema as a platform to highlight social issues, political tensions, and ethical dilemmas. With Master, he has taken Bangladeshi stories to an international audience, demonstrating that local narratives can resonate with universal themes.
“This recognition is historic for Bangladesh,” said film analyst Rafiq Hossain. “Sumit’s Master proves that Bangladeshi cinema can tell politically charged, socially relevant stories that engage audiences worldwide. The film’s success is a testament to the creative vision and courage of our filmmakers.”
The film’s success follows Sumit’s critically acclaimed debut, Nonajaler Kabya, which won seven National Film Awards, including Best Film in Bangladesh. With Master, Sumit has moved beyond national recognition, firmly establishing Bangladesh on the global cinema map.
At IFFR 2026, international filmmakers were also celebrated. South African directors Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar won the Tiger Award for Variations On A Theme, Swedish director Angelica Ruffier received a Special Jury Award for La Belle Année, and Georgian filmmaker Ana Urushadze won the FIPRESCI Award for Supporting Role. The festival showcased the best in arthouse, classic, and socially conscious cinema, positioning Master alongside global masterpieces.
The Big Screen Competition is particularly notable for celebrating films that bridge popular appeal and arthouse storytelling. The Rotterdam jury, consisting of Jan-Willem van Ewijk, Sara Ishaq, Loes Luca, Chris Oosterom, and Mila Schlingemann, singled out Master for its combination of moral depth, cinematic technique, and compelling performances. “What begins as a straightforward tale of idealism versus corruption unfolds into a layered, complex narrative,” the jury noted.
The prize also ensures a wide release in the Netherlands, with the distributor receiving €15,000 to encourage local screenings, further amplifying the international reach of the film. With a total prize value of around Tk 43 lakh, the award offers both financial and symbolic support for Bangladeshi cinema, inspiring young filmmakers across the country.
Master’s triumph at Rotterdam is more than just a film award – it is a statement. It signals that Bangladeshi filmmakers can tackle complex political realities, tell morally nuanced stories, and captivate international audiences. For Sumit and his team, the victory is a milestone that affirms the global relevance of Bangladesh’s cinematic voice.