Cover image via 'Sandiwara'/Courtesy Berlin Film Festival/IndieWire
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Michelle Yeoh is starring in a brand-new short film, and this one is extra meaningful for Malaysians
Titled Sandiwara, the 11-minute film was shot entirely on an iPhone in Penang, with scenes filmed across the city before culminating at a lively hawker centre.
The film is set to premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival on 13 February, ahead of its worldwide release on 20 February.
In Sandiwara, Yeoh takes on five different roles, each representing a different side of life in Malaysia
The story moves through Penang's streets, night markets, food stalls, and music scenes, capturing everyday moments through multiple characters rather than a single main storyline.
The film's title comes from the Malay word sandiwara, which means drama or theatrical performance.
The short film is directed by Sean Baker, the same filmmaker behind Anora, which won big at the 2025 Oscars
For Sandiwara, Baker returns to his roots by filming the entire project on an iPhone, according to The Cinegogue. He's no stranger to this approach. His earlier film Tangerine was also famously shot using iPhones.
Although Sandiwara was made in collaboration with London-based fashion brand Self-Portrait, it doesn't feel like a fashion ad.
Instead, the film focuses on Malaysian culture, highlighting food, music, womanhood, and everyday life in Penang. The project was created under Self-Portrait's Residency programme, which gives artists the freedom to create without strict branding rules.
The Berlinale screening will be extra meaningful for Yeoh
On 12 February, she will receive the Honorary Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement, one of the festival's highest honours. The award celebrates her long and successful career in film.
After the screening on 13 February, Yeoh and Baker will also take part in a live discussion about the film.
If you're curious, Sandiwara will be released publicly on 20 February
You can watch the trailer here:
