What's Happening?
Director Sean Baker's secret project, 'Sandiwara,' starring Michelle Yeoh, is set to premiere at the 2026 Berlinale. The short film, shot on an iPhone, features Yeoh in five different roles, each representing a facet of Malaysian culture. Set in a Malaysian night market, the film is part of a new residency program by the fashion house Self-Portrait, which aims to integrate creatives from various disciplines. The premiere will coincide with Yeoh receiving the Honorary Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement at the festival. Both Baker and Yeoh will attend a Q&A session following the screening.
Why It's Important?
'Sandiwara' represents a unique collaboration between film and fashion, highlighting the potential for cross-disciplinary projects to explore cultural narratives.
The film's premiere at Berlinale, a prestigious international film festival, underscores its significance in the global cinematic landscape. Michelle Yeoh's involvement and the film's focus on Malaysian culture may enhance cultural representation in cinema. Additionally, the project reflects Sean Baker's innovative approach to filmmaking, utilizing unconventional methods like shooting on an iPhone, which could influence future film production techniques.












