Bangladeshi filmmaker Rezwan Shahriar Sumit’s political drama MASTER has received the Best Screenplay award in the World Competition section of the 53rd Belgrade International Film Festival (FEST), which concluded on Sunday.
Sumit co-wrote the screenplay with Sabbir Hossain Shovon. The festival jury recognised the film’s storytelling and its examination of political corruption, betrayal and personal change.
In its citation, translated from Serbian, the jury called MASTER a compelling political drama about betrayal, corruption and the moral dilemmas faced by a man entering the corridors of power. It also praised the film’s tense atmosphere and portrayal of how power reshapes an individual’s relationships and choices.
The jury noted that stories emerging from smaller nations can capture experiences shared across societies and connect with audiences around the world.
Serbian film theorist, critic and screenwriter Saša Radojević chaired the World Competition jury. The panel also included Prof Dr Sali Saliji Salini, filmmaker and founder of the Balkan Panorama Film Festival, and film producer Martin Milinković.
The award places MASTER among this year’s recognised international entries. Spanish historical drama The Red Hangar (Hangar Rojo), directed by Juan Pablo Salato, won Best Picture, while Filipino filmmaker Rafael Manuel received Best Director for Filipiñana.
Established in 1971, Belgrade FEST has spent more than five decades showcasing international cinema and bringing filmmakers and films from different parts of the world to its audiences.
The latest honour adds to MASTER’s growing festival record. The film previously secured 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, MASTER explores local governance through a story about power, morality and human vulnerability.
The film stars Nasir Uddin Khan as Jahir, known as Master. Its cast also includes Azmeri Haque Badhan, Zakia Bari Mamo, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Sharif Siraj, Tasnova Tamanna and Lutfar Rahman George.
Despite its international success, MASTER has yet to secure a theatrical release in Bangladesh. According to the press release, bureaucratic delays and clearance procedures have held up its release.
