Bangladeshi cinema will have a strong presence at this year’s International Film Festival Rotterdam, with three films selected across different competitive sections of the prestigious event.
Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s ‘Roid’ will have its world premiere in the Tiger Competition, the festival’s main competition section. The selection marks a historic moment, as it is the first time a Bangladeshi feature film has been chosen to compete in Rotterdam’s top category. A total of 12 films from around the world have been selected for the Tiger Competition, from which the jury will choose the best film.
Two other Bangladeshi films will also premiere at the festival. Rezwan Shahriar Sumit’s political thriller ‘Master’ has been selected for the Big Screen Competition, while Mohammad Tauqir Islam’s debut feature ‘Delupi’ will be screened in the Bright Future section, which showcases first and second films by emerging directors.
The achievement has been widely welcomed at home. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs congratulated the filmmakers in a social media post, describing the selections as a significant moment for Bangladeshi cinema. Cultural Affairs Minister Mostofa Sarowar Farooki also shared his congratulations, calling the news a source of pride and noting his personal connection to the Rotterdam festival.
Sumon, who made his directorial debut with the commercially successful Hawa, returns three years later with Roid. The film stars Mostafizur Noor Imran, Nazifa Tushi and Gazi Rakayet, among others. Its trailer was unveiled this week alongside the official announcement of its Rotterdam selection. Speaking about the story, Sumon said the film centres on Sadhu, his mentally unstable wife and a palm tree beside their home, drawing on the primordial myth of Adam and Eve while deeply embedding the essence of rural Bengal.
Master, directed by Rezwan Shahriar Sumit, is set against the backdrop of local politics in a single upazila. Funded by a government grant, the film completed shooting in April last year, with post-production carried out in South Korea with international collaborators. The story follows a respected teacher who is persuaded to run in a local election and whose life changes dramatically after he becomes chairman. Nasir Uddin Khan leads the cast, alongside Azmeri Haque Badhon, Zakia Bari Mamo, Fazlur Rahman Babu and others.
Meanwhile, Delupi marks Mohammad Tauqir Islam’s debut feature and will be shown in the Bright Future section. Inspired by the lives and relationships of people in southern Bangladesh, the film features performances by local residents. Delupi was first released in Khulna on November 7 before opening nationwide the following week.
The 55th edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam is regarded as one of Europe’s most influential platforms for contemporary and emerging cinema.
