Sumit’s ‘Master’ secures UK executive producer at IFFR

The 55th edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is currently underway in the Dutch city of Rotterdam, with three Bangladeshi films selected for the festival this year. Among them, Rezwan Shahriar Sumit’s political thriller “Master” had its international premiere on February 2.

During the festival, Sumit shared further news about the film, announcing that UK-based production company Quanon Films has joined “Master” as an executive producer. The company has previously been associated with several internationally acclaimed projects, including “Chaplin: Spirit of the Tramp”.

In a statement, Quanon Films’ co-founders Carmen Chaplin and Asif Kapadia said “Master” explores a rarely portrayed social reality, particularly relevant in South Asian contexts. They noted that the film engages with contemporary politics and power dynamics, and praised the director’s attempt to tell a universally resonant story. They added that they were honoured to be associated with the film and to help bring it to global audiences.

“Master” is a political thriller set against the backdrop of local politics in a Bangladeshi upazila. The story follows Jahir, a history teacher at a local school, who is widely regarded as an idealistic figure in the community. After contesting and winning a local election, Jahir gradually undergoes a transformation, becoming corrupt and authoritarian.

The film is competing in the Big Screen Competition section at IFFR. The cast includes Nasir Uddin Khan, Azmeri Haque Badhon and Zakia Bari Mamo, among others.

Speaking about the film, Rezwan Shahriar Sumit said he wanted to show how power can destroy even the emotional core of a good person. He added that, in light of Bangladesh’s recent mass uprising, the present moment felt like the right time to bring this story to the screen.

Sumit and several members of the cast are currently attending the Rotterdam festival and are engaging with audiences through post-screening discussions following each screening.