Bangladeshi filmmaker Rezwan Shahriar Sumit’s political drama MASTER has won the Best Screenplay award in the World Competition section of the 53rd Belgrade International Film Festival (FEST), which concluded on Sunday (12 October).

The screenplay, co-written by Sumit and Sabbir Hossain Shovon, was recognised for its narrative structure and exploration of political corruption, betrayal and personal transformation.

In its citation, translated from Serbian, the festival jury described MASTER as “a compelling political drama exploring themes of betrayal, corruption, and the moral choices of a man entering the halls of power”.

The jury also praised the film’s tense atmosphere and portrayal of a character’s evolving relationship with power, noting how stories from smaller nations can reflect shared realities and resonate with audiences worldwide.

The World Competition jury was chaired by Serbian film theorist, critic and screenwriter Saša Radojević. The other members were filmmaker and Balkan Panorama Film Festival founder Prof Dr Sali Saliji Salini and film producer Martin Milinković.

The award adds to MASTER’s growing international recognition, placing it alongside other notable films at this year’s festival. Spanish historical drama The Red Hangar (Hangar Rojo), directed by Juan Pablo Salato, won Best Picture, while Filipino filmmaker Rafael Manuel received the Best Director award for Filipiñana.

Founded in 1971, Belgrade FEST is one of Europe’s long-running international film festivals, showcasing films and filmmakers from around the world.

MASTER previously won the Big Screen Award at the 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) and the Best Feature Award at the 22nd Lucca Film Festival in Italy.

Set against the backdrop of rural Bangladesh’s local governance, the film explores power, morality and human vulnerability through a political narrative.

The film stars Nasir Uddin Khan as Jahir, known as Master, alongside Azmeri Haque Badhon, Zakia Bari Mamo, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Sharif Siraj, Tasnova Tamanna and Lutfar Rahman George.

Despite its international festival success, MASTER has yet to secure a theatrical release in Bangladesh. According to a press release, its release remains stalled due to bureaucratic delays and clearance processes.