Rezwan Shahriar Sumit’s Master has added another major international honour to its growing festival run, winning Best Feature Film at the 22nd Lucca Film Festival in Tuscany, Italy.
The jury praised the film for transforming a seemingly local story into a reflection of the crisis facing representative democracy worldwide.
It also commended the screenplay for its subtlety and intelligence, as well as its portrayal of corruption and political power.
The award was announced on Saturday. The jury comprised Oscar-winning costume designer Franca Squarciapino, Lithuanian filmmaker Šarūnas Bartas and Italian actor-director-screenwriter Michele Riondino.
The award carries a €1,000 prize.
In a social media post, Sumit thanked the jury, cast and crew, describing the win as a testament to the film’s universality and urgency.
He also raised a question that has continued to follow the film’s international success: when will Master be released in theatres in Bangladesh?
The victory follows another major achievement, with Master previously winning the Big Screen Award in the Big Screen Competition at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
The 126-minute political drama follows Jahir, a respected history teacher, husband and father in the forest-surrounded town of Mohoganj. Known for his progressive ideals and commitment to social justice, he enters local politics and wins an election with strong support from young people.
However, as he rises through the political ranks, Jahir becomes increasingly dependent on those who helped him secure power. Campaign donors, businessmen, local thugs, police, bureaucrats and political powerbrokers draw him into a network of favours and corruption.
His compromises gradually erode his principles and strain his relationships with his wife, Jharna, and loyal friend Ayub.
At its heart, Master examines how political systems can transform people who enter them with good intentions.
This wider relevance was central to the Lucca jury’s recognition.
The film stars Nasir Uddin Khan as Jahir, alongside Azmeri Haque Badhan, Zakia Bari Mamo, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Sharif Siraj and Tasnova Tamanna.
Sumit co-wrote the screenplay with Sabbir Hossain Shovon, while Tuhin Tamijul handled cinematography and Kristan Sprague edited the film. It was produced by Mypixelstory and Kwanon Films.
The festival’s 22nd edition also honoured filmmakers including Nanni Moretti, Julian Schnabel and Liliana Cavani, while Nicolas Winding Refn received the Golden Panther Award.
For Sumit, the achievement marks another significant milestone after his debut feature The Salt in Our Waters, which brought international attention to Bangladesh’s climate-change frontliners and won seven National Film Awards.
Despite its growing list of accolades, Master is still awaiting a theatrical release in Bangladesh, leaving local audiences waiting to experience the film on the big screen.
