The film 'Sandiwara,' directed by Sean Baker and starring Michelle Yeoh, will make its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival. This project emerges from a collaboration with the fashion house Self-Portrait and highlights Malaysian culture through an immersive cinematic lens.
Sean Baker, known for directing 'Anora,' teams up with Michelle Yeoh for 'Sandiwara,' a new film produced in partnership with the London-based fashion brand Self-Portrait. This marks the inaugural project from Self-Portrait's Residency program, which began last year to support artists across various fields. The program offers participants access to the brand's resources, teams, and networks, allowing them to create freely and gain visibility.
'Sandiwara' returns Baker to his early style of shooting on an iPhone, delivering what a press release calls an "immersive cinematic experience." Yeoh portrays five distinct characters in the story, set in Malaysia. The narrative explores cinema and storytelling to reflect Malaysian culture's essence. The title derives from the Malay term meaning "drama, theatrical performance or play." Filming took place in Penang, with key scenes wrapping up at a Hawker Center.
The Berlin Film Festival, running from February 12 to 22, will feature a special screening of 'Sandiwara' on February 13, followed by a discussion with Baker and Yeoh. On February 12, during the opening ceremony, Baker will present Yeoh with the Honorary Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement. Variety initially covered the project in December, underscoring its blend of fashion, film, and cultural depth.
