Belgrade:Bangladeshi filmmaker Rezwan Shahriar Sumit's political drama "MASTER" has been awarded the Best Screenplay in the World Competition section of the 53rd Belgrade International Film Festival (FEST), which concluded on Sunday. This accolade adds to the film's growing success on the international festival circuit.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the screenplay, co-written by Sumit and Sabbir Hossain Shovon, was recognized by the festival jury for its narrative structure and its exploration of themes such as political corruption, betrayal, and personal transformation. The jury, in their citation translated from Serbian, described "MASTER" as a compelling political drama that delves into these complex themes.
The jury also highlighted the film's tense atmosphere and the portrayal of a character's evolving relationship with power. They noted that stories from smaller nations often mirror shared global realities and resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. The World Competition jury was chaired by Serbian film theorist Saša Radojevic, with members including Prof Dr Sali Saliji Salini and film producer Martin Milinkovic.
"MASTER" now stands among the leading films featured at the festival, alongside Spanish historical drama "The Red Hangar" by Juan Pablo Salato, which won Best Picture, and Rafael Manuel's "Filipiñana," which received the Best Director award. Belgrade FEST, established in 1971, is one of Europe's long-standing international film festivals, celebrating works from around the globe.
This Best Screenplay award is another milestone for "MASTER," which previously won the Big Screen Award at the 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam and the Best Feature Award at the 22nd Lucca Film Festival in Italy. Set in rural Bangladesh, the film examines power, morality, and human vulnerability through a political narrative that has gained recognition at various European festivals.
The film features a cast including Nasir Uddin Khan as Jahir, known as Master, and actors Azmeri Haque Badhon, Zakia Bari Mamo, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Sharif Siraj, Tasnova Tamanna, and Lutfar Rahman George. Despite its international acclaim, the film's release in Bangladesh remains delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles and clearance processes.