Sandiwara (film)
| Sandiwara | |
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Release poster | |
| Directed by | Sean Baker |
| Written by | Sean Baker |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Christopher Ripley |
| Edited by | Sean Baker |
| Music by | Matthew Hearon-Smith |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | YouTube |
Release dates |
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Running time | 11 minutes |
| Countries |
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Sandiwara is a 2026 short drama film written and directed by Sean Baker and starring Michelle Yeoh.
Premise
Set in a Malaysian night market, follows five characters who each tell their own unique story and represent a facet of Malaysian culture rarely explored.
Cast
- Michelle Yeoh as The Critic / The Hawker / The Waitress / The Vlogger / The Singer
- Reuben Kang as Vlogger Cameraman
- Sunny Lau as Singer
Production
In December 2025, it was reported that Sean Baker wrote, directed, and shot a short film titled Sandiwara in Penang, starring Michelle Yeoh as five different characters. Baker shot the film with an iPhone.[1] It is the first film produced in collaboration with the London-based fashion house Self Portrait.[2]
Release
Sandiwara premiered at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on February 13, 2026,[3][4] During the opening ceremony of the festival, Baker presented Yeoh with the Honorary Golden Bear.[5] It was released on YouTube on February 20, 2026.[6]
References
- ^ Goodfellow, Melanie (December 4, 2025). "Sean Baker Directs Michelle Yeoh in Short Film 'Sandiwara' for Fashion House Self-Portrait (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ^ Shafer, Ellise (February 5, 2026). "Sean Baker and Michelle Yeoh's 'Sandiwara,' From Fashion House Self-Portrait, to Premiere at Berlin Film Festival". Variety. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ^ Booth, Ned (February 5, 2026). "'Sandiwara': Sean Baker's Secret Project With Michelle Yeoh To Have Its World Premiere At Berlinale 2026". The Playlist. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ^ "Sandiwara - Berlinale". Berlin International Film Festival. February 9, 2026. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
- ^ "| Berlinale | News & Topics | News". Berlin International Film Festival. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ^ Davis, Edward (February 10, 2026). "'Sandiwara' Trailer: Sean Baker And Michelle Yeoh Team For A Self-Portrait Residency Short Set In Penang's Night-Market Chaos". The Playlist. Retrieved February 10, 2026.