The 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) concluded with significant accolades for two standout films. Variations on a Theme, a poignant drama from South Africa directed by Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar, received the prestigious Tiger Award for best competition film. The narrative centers around an elderly goat herder entangled in a scam related to her father’s wartime service reparations. Simultaneously, Master, directed by Rezwan Shahriar Sumit, won the Big Screen Competition, exploring the journey of a teacher navigating local politics in Bangladesh.
The jury for the Tiger Competition praised Variations on a Theme, stating, “Possessing a deep poetic language, we found this to be a thoughtful and moving portrait of a community living under the spectre of colonial legacies and familial bonds in this world and the next.” This recognition highlights the film’s exploration of complex themes through a deeply personal lens.
In contrast, Master was lauded for its universal narrative. The jury noted, “This is a universal story about a person striving to hold on to their moral compass, only to be reshaped by the persuasive and destructive forces of power and capitalism. What begins as a seemingly straightforward tale of idealism versus corruption unfolds into something far more complex and layered.”
Acknowledgments and Special Awards
In addition to the primary awards, the Tiger Competition presented special jury awards to several films. La belle année, directed by Angelica Ruffier, received attention for its hybrid documentary format, which delves into the director’s own past, family, and formative experiences. The jury described it as “an intimate portrait of a woman dealing with grief and at the same time getting in touch with her first feelings of love and desire.”
Also recognized was Supporting Role, directed by Ana Urushadze. This film tells the story of a faded film star in Georgia who seeks to revive his acting career in an industry that has moved on without him. The jury remarked, “The film deftly uses the craft of acting as a lens through which to explore the complexities of how we move through the world.” Furthermore, Supporting Role was awarded the 2026 IFFR FIPRESCI Award, further solidifying its impact at the festival.
Emerging Voices and Future Talents
The NETPAC Award, which honors feature films from the Asia and Pacific regions, was presented to i grew an inch when my father died by P. R. Monencillo Patindol. This film poignantly examines themes of grief, friendship, and inherited violence within a rural community. The jury expressed admiration for the film’s creativity, noting its “genuinely exciting” storytelling potential and original visual language that captures the intimate lives of its characters.
Additionally, the NETPAC jury gave a special mention to The Seoul Guardians by Kim Jong-Woo, Kim Shin-Wan, and Cho Chul-Young, recognizing its artistic merit.
The Rotterdam Youth Jury Award was awarded to Ah Girl by Ang Geck Geck Priscilla, which tells the story of a young girl caught in the turmoil between her separated parents.
As the 2025 IFFR draws to a close, festival director Vanja Kaludjercic and managing director Clare Stewart can reflect on a successful event, which continues to spotlight diverse narratives and emerging filmmakers. The festival runs until Sunday, further showcasing a selection of international films that resonate with audiences around the globe.
