Academy Award winners Sean Baker and Michelle Yeoh are gearing up to unveil their new short film, Sandiwara, at the Berlin Film Festival. This exciting premiere is scheduled for February 13 and marks a return to Baker’s roots in iPhone filmmaking.
Sandiwara, which features Yeoh in a versatile role portraying five distinct characters, is set against the vibrant backdrop of a Malaysian night market. This project was developed in collaboration with the London-based fashion brand Self-Portrait and is the inaugural film of the brand’s Residency program, launched in 2025. It has been described as “an immersive celebration of independent cinema,” highlighting the artistic synergy between film and fashion.
In addition to the screening, Baker and Yeoh will engage in a discussion about the film, following which audiences will have the chance to view Everything Everywhere All At Once, in which Yeoh won the Best Actress Oscar. This presents a unique opportunity for attendees to deepen their appreciation of Yeoh’s remarkable talent.
At the festival’s opening ceremony on February 12, Baker will honor Yeoh with the prestigious Honorary Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement, recognizing her significant contributions to the film industry. Baker himself is renowned for his award-winning film Anora, which garnered Oscars for directing, writing, editing, and Best Picture.
The Berlin Film Festival is set to run from February 12 to February 22, promising a showcase of powerful cinematic works and celebratory events. With Baker and Yeoh’s collaboration, the festival aims to uplift the art of independent storytelling while honoring outstanding contributions to cinema.