The 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) celebrated standout cinematic achievements with its prestigious awards on March 3, 2025. Among the winners, the South African drama Variations on a Theme, directed by Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar, clinched the highly sought-after Tiger Award for best competition film. The narrative centers around an elderly goat herder entangled in a scam regarding overdue reparations for her father’s wartime service.
In a parallel achievement, Rezwan Shahriar Sumit‘s film Master won the Big Screen Competition. This film explores the journey of a teacher in Bangladesh navigating local politics, illustrating a shift from idealism to authoritarian tendencies. 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.”
The Big Screen Competition jury expressed admiration for Master, highlighting its universal themes. They remarked, “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.”
Acknowledging Diverse Talents
Further recognitions in the Tiger Competition included special jury awards for La belle année by Angelica Ruffier and Supporting Role by Ana Urushadze. La belle année, a hybrid documentary, dives into Ruffier’s personal past, exploring themes of family and young love. 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.”
In contrast, Supporting Role follows a faded film star in Georgia as he attempts to reintegrate into an industry that has moved on without him. The jury remarked on the film’s effective use of acting as a lens to explore complex themes of identity and societal change, commending the craftsmanship involved. This film also received the 2026 IFFR FIPRESCI Award, further solidifying its impact.
The NETPAC Award, which honors outstanding films from the Asia and Pacific regions, was awarded to i grew an inch when my father died by P. R. Monencillo Patindol. This film poignantly examines grief, friendship, and inherited violence within a rural community. The NETPAC jury shared their thoughts, noting, “The film moved us all and is filled with hope that the language of cinema can still be reinvented, genuinely exciting in its creative expression and its meaningful storytelling potential.”
Additionally, the NETPAC jury recognized The Seoul Guardians by Kim Jong-Woo, Kim Shin-Wan, and Cho Chul-Young with a special mention, further showcasing the festival’s commitment to diverse storytelling.
Youth Engagement in Cinema
The Rotterdam Youth Jury Award, aimed at fostering young perspectives in film, went to Ah Girl by Ang Geck Geck Priscilla. This narrative follows a young girl caught in the midst of her parents’ separation, illustrating the emotional turbulence of familial conflict through the eyes of youth.
As the IFFR continues through March 5, 2026, it remains a vital platform for filmmakers to share compelling stories that resonate across cultures. With its blend of established and emerging talent, the festival not only showcases cinematic excellence but also encourages a broader dialogue about the themes facing contemporary society.
