U.K. production outfit Kwanon Films (“Charlie Chaplin: A Man of the World”), the company established by Carmen Chaplin and Ashim Bhalla, has come aboard Rezwan Shahriar Sumit’s political thriller “Master” as executive producer ahead of the film’s world premiere Monday at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
The sophomore feature from Sumit, whose debut “The Salt in Our Waters” sold to Mubi and HBO following its 2020 bow at the BFI London Film Festival, is in IFFR’s Big Screen Competition.
Set in a small forest town in Bangladesh, “Master” follows Jahir, an idealistic high school history teacher who is elected as a local official. Initially driven by noble intentions, he becomes corrupted by mounting demands that erode his principles, transforming from community hero to feared authoritarian as his pursuit of power intensifies.
“‘Master’ is a rare glimpse of a society not seen often enough outside South Asia,” Bhalla and Chaplin said in a joint statement. “The film offers a reflective commentary not only on current issues but on the intrinsic nature of politics itself. We are honored to be involved with Rezwan Shahriar Sumit – a bold voice with a universal story to tell – in bringing this remarkable film to a global audience.”
Sumit said the timing felt particularly resonant following recent political upheaval in Bangladesh. “In ‘Master,’ I explore how power erodes even the noblest human impulses – a global theme that feels especially urgent following the recent uprising in Bangladesh,” the director said. “This seismic shift redefined our society, yet the systems that perpetuate injustice continue to haunt us.”
The filmmaker added that he was drawn to exploring the private costs of public leadership. “I’ve always felt that the family life of a public figure is this huge, untapped territory,” Sumit said. “For me, the real story isn’t the election; I’m rather interested in that domestic fallout – the idea that you can be a hero to a nation and a stranger at your own dinner table.”
The film stars Nasir Uddin Khan, who starred in “The Wrestler,” which won the Busan New Currents Award, and Azmeri Haque Badhon, who appeared in “Rehana Maryam Noor,” which premiered in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard. Zakia Bari Mamo, Fazlur Rahman Babu and Sharif Siraj round out the cast.
Bhalla produced the theatrical documentary “Chaplin: Spirit of the Tramp,” directed by Chaplin, which won the Irizar Award at San Sebastián and premiered in North America at Telluride before securing international sales. He also founded and produces the Purple List, a filmmaker development initiative that has launched 19 features, including the debuts of Shaka King, Josef Kubota Wladyka, Cathy Yan and Chloé Zhao. Hasan Hadi’s “The President’s Cake,” which became a breakout hit at Cannes last year, was a 2022 Purple List selection.
Sumit co-wrote, directed and produced “Master.“
English (US) ·