Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh has teamed up with acclaimed director Sean Baker for the short film "Sandiwara," which will make its world premiere at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival. The 11-minute production, shot entirely on iPhone, features Yeoh in five distinct roles set against the backdrop of a Malaysian night market.
The film marks Baker's return to guerrilla-style filmmaking and is the inaugural project from fashion house Self-Portrait's Residency program. Scheduled for February 13, 2026, the premiere coincides with Yeoh receiving the Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement, presented by Baker himself.
Film Details and Production
"Sandiwara" is a British-Malaysian drama written, directed, shot, and edited by Sean Baker. The title derives from the Malay word for "drama" or "theatrical performance," reflecting its anthology structure.
Filmed in Penang, Malaysia, the movie unfolds in a bustling night market, known locally as a Hawker Center. It incorporates languages including Mandarin, English, and Malay, with English subtitles. Organizers describe it as an "immersive celebration of womanhood, cultural identity, culinary heritage, and the spirit of independent cinema."
Michelle Yeoh portrays five different characters, each representing unique facets of Malaysian life rarely explored on screen. Supporting roles are filled by Malaysian actors Reuben Kang and Sunny Lau. The production uses natural lighting and real locations for a raw, documentary-like aesthetic.
The film was produced under Self-Portrait's Residency initiative, launched in 2025 by the London-based fashion brand founded by Han Chong, a Penang native. This program supports creatives across disciplines by providing resources, infrastructure, and distribution networks. "Sandiwara" expands the brand's focus into cinema, blending fashion with storytelling to highlight Malaysian culture.
Baker, known for his innovative use of technology in films like "Tangerine" (also shot on iPhone), handled multiple roles in production. No full plot synopsis has been released to maintain the element of surprise for festival audiences.
Premiere at Berlin Film Festival
The world premiere of "Sandiwara" is set for February 13, 2026, in the Berlinale Specials section at Zoo Palast 1. The 76th Berlin International Film Festival runs from February 12 to 22, 2026.
The screening will be followed by a conversation between Baker and Yeoh. It ties into the festival's tribute to Yeoh, who will receive the Honorary Golden Bear on the opening day, February 12. Baker will present the award during the ceremony, which also includes a screening of Yeoh's Oscar-winning film "Everything Everywhere All at Once."
Tickets for the "Sandiwara" event are available through the Berlinale website. The premiere has generated buzz on social media, with users expressing excitement over the collaboration. One post noted the film's setting in a "pasar malam" (night market), highlighting its cultural authenticity.
Key Figures Involved
Sean Baker is an American filmmaker celebrated for his focus on marginalized communities. His recent feature "Anora" won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and earned Oscar nominations. Baker's earlier works, including "The Florida Project" and "Red Rocket," have garnered critical acclaim for their raw portrayals of everyday struggles.
Michelle Yeoh, a Malaysian-born actress, rose to international fame with roles in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Crazy Rich Asians." She made history as the first Asian woman to win the Best Actress Oscar for "Everything Everywhere All at Once" in 2023. Yeoh's versatility in action and drama has made her a global icon.
The partnership between Baker and Yeoh was first reported in December 2025. Self-Portrait's involvement adds a unique fashion-cinema crossover, with founder Han Chong emphasizing the project's roots in his hometown.
Why 'Sandiwara' Matters
"Sandiwara" stands out for its innovative approach, combining low-budget iPhone cinematography with high-profile talent to explore underrepresented stories. It serves as a cinematic tribute to Malaysian culture, focusing on themes of identity, community, and heritage in a globalized world.
The film highlights Yeoh's range, allowing her to embody multiple personas in a single short. For Baker, it reinforces his commitment to independent cinema and accessible filmmaking tools. As the first Residency project from Self-Portrait, it could pave the way for more interdisciplinary collaborations in film and fashion.
In a broader context, "Sandiwara" arrives amid discussions of diversity in Hollywood. Yeoh's involvement echoes her breakthrough in "Everything Everywhere All at Once," where she portrayed a multiverse-hopping laundromat owner. Reports indicate that without Yeoh, that film's alternate casting plan involved actors linked to box office underperformers, underscoring her impact.
What Happens Next
Following the Berlin premiere, no wide release date has been announced for "Sandiwara." Self-Portrait may distribute it through festival circuits or its own platforms.
The film could screen at additional festivals, given Baker's track record. Industry watchers speculate on potential awards buzz, though its short format limits Oscar eligibility in major categories. Yeoh and Baker's ongoing projects, including Yeoh's roles in upcoming blockbusters, suggest this collaboration might inspire future works.
Updates on "Sandiwara" and the Berlinale will likely emerge as the festival approaches.
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