Three Bangladeshi films to screen at Rotterdam

This year's International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) will feature three Bangladeshi films across different competitive sections, marking a significant milestone for the country's cinema on the global stage.

Mejbaur Rahman Sumon's "Roid" will have its world premiere in the prestigious Tiger Competition (Main Competition) at the 55th edition of IFFR. This marks the first time a Bangladeshi feature film has been selected to compete in the festival's main competition.

Rezwan Shahriar Sumit's political thriller "Master" will premiere in the Big Screen Competition section, while Mohammad Tauqir Islam's debut feature "Delupi" will be screened in the Bright Future category, which showcases first and second films by emerging directors.

The achievement has drawn widespread appreciation. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs congratulated the filmmakers in a Facebook post, stating: "Three films from Bangladesh—'Roid', 'Master', and 'Delupi'—will be premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in three different sections: Tiger, Big Screen, and Bright Future. Congratulations to all!"

Cultural Affairs Minister, Mostofa Sarowar Farooki also shared the news, calling it a moment of pride. In his post, he wrote, "It's a matter of great joy and pride! Congratulations to my comrades. Just get your suitcases packed with warm clothes. IFFR is one of the most vibrant European festivals, known for its highly engaging Q&A sessions. I have no doubt our filmmaker friends are going to enjoy every bit of it. I personally have a bias toward this festival, as it was my first European festival and I still carry those beautiful memories."

Mejbaur Rahman Sumon made his directorial debut with "Hawa", which achieved major success. Three years later, he returns with "Roid", which he began shooting last year. The film stars Mostafizur Noor Imran, Nazifa Tushi, Gazi Rakayet, among others. The trailer of "Roid" was unveiled yesterday at an event, along with its official announcement.

A total of 12 films from different countries, including "Roid", have been selected for the Tiger Competition, from which the festival jury will choose the best film.

Speaking about the story, Sumon said, "This story revolves around Sadhu, his mad wife, and the palm tree beside their home. At its core, we have tried to search for the primordial narrative of Adam and Eve. We have reconstructed that thousand-year-old myth in the present—not the present of time, but the present of emotion. At every layer of this film, the essence of rural Bengal as envisioned by painter SM Sultan is deeply embedded."

Meanwhile, "Master", directed by Rezwan Shahriar Sumit, falls within the political thriller genre. Shooting for the government-grant-funded film was completed in April last year, with post-production carried out in South Korea involving artistes from various parts of the world. The film is set against the backdrop of local politics in a single upazila.

The story follows Zahid Ahmed, a teacher admired for his social work, who is persuaded by locals to contest an upazila election due to a lack of suitable candidates. After winning the election and becoming chairman, his life takes a dramatic turn. Nasir Uddin Khan plays the role of Zahid Ahmed. The cast also includes Azmeri Haque Badhon, Zakia Bari Mamo, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Lutfur Rahman George, Sharif Siraj, among others.

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‘Delupi’ to have its international premiere in Rotterdam Film festival

Meanwhile, "Delupi" will be screened in the Bright Future section of the Rotterdam festival. The film is inspired by the events, realities, and relationships of people's lives in the southern region of Bangladesh and features performances by local residents. "Delupi" was released in Khulna on November 7, followed by a nationwide release the following week.