‘Sandiwara’ Focuses Lens on Penang, Michelle Yeoh Plays Five Roles

The Oscar-winning director Sean Baker and Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh star together in the short film ‘Sandiwara’, which officially premiered to the public on Friday (February 21).

The short film had its world premiere earlier on February 13 in the special screening section of the Berlin International Film Festival, and was officially released on Friday (20th) via London fashion brand “Self-Portrait”’s official YouTube channel.

‘Sandiwara’ is produced by Self-Portrait and turns the camera on Penang, presenting an emotionally charged slice of life. Notably, Penang is also the hometown of Han Chong, the founder of Self-Portrait.

The film is set in Penang, utilizing a vivid and rhythmic narrative style to showcase female empowerment, cultural identity, and the spirit of independent cinema, while also incorporating local culinary traditions and the vibrancy of everyday life.

In the film, Michelle Yeoh plays five different roles, including an influencer, hawker, food critic, waitress, and songstress. She transitions seamlessly between these roles, each displaying a distinct personality and level of identity, which becomes a major highlight of the film.

The movie was filmed at several iconic Penang locations, including heritage spots like Love Lane and Campbell Street, as well as food landmarks such as Goh Soo Hock Hainanese Chicken Rice and Red Garden. Signature local delicacies such as Nyonya cuisine, chicken rice, and banana leaf rice are also shown, vividly conveying the essence of Penang life.

‘Sandiwara’ is not just a short film, but also an experimental creation that fuses fashion, film, and cultural storytelling.