Sean Baker and Michelle Yeoh collaborate on 'Sandiwara'; the film aims to 'Celebrate Malaysian Culture in

      Oscar winners Sean Baker and Michelle Yeoh are collaborating on the new short film “Sandiwara,” which serves as Baker’s follow-up to his Best Picture-winning film Anora. The setting will be in the Malaysian state of Penang.

      The film's logline promises: “Michelle Yeoh delivers a transformative performance against the backdrop of Penang’s vibrant city life. Alongside Academy Award-winning director Sean Baker, ‘Sandiwara’ offers a bold and immersive celebration of womanhood, cultural identity, culinary heritage, and the spirit of independent cinema.”

      “Sandiwara” is derived from the Malay term meaning “drama, theatrical performance, or play.” According to a news release, the film is an “exploration of Malaysian culture through the lens of food, music, and womanhood,” intriguing in its use of the singular/plural by stating it stars “Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh in the lead role/s.”

      More Information on Sean Baker and Michelle Yeoh's Collaboration ‘Sandiwara’

      Baker is creating the film for the London-based fashion brand self-portrait, founded in 2013 by designer Han Chong. Born in Penang, Malaysia, Han Chong studied Fashion Design at Central Saint Martins in London and established a five-year scholarship program with Central Saint Martins to provide financial aid for five students to complete their MA degrees, along with mentorship.

      In 2024, self-portrait launched Residency, promoting the brand by collaborating with artists from various disciplines. Baker will produce the film as part of this initiative. “’Sandiwara’ is an expression of my enduring passion for independent cinema, and with the support of Han Chong, Michelle Yeoh, and many others who helped realize this vision, we were able to celebrate Malaysian culture in a substantial way,” Baker stated.

      “It was amazing to experience Penang and to have the creative freedom to create a film that transcends traditional boundaries of fashion and cinema.”

      “Sandiwara” is set for release in February.

      Yeoh won Best Actress for her role in 2022’s Everything Everywhere All at Once. Baker broke a record at the 2025 Academy Awards by becoming the first person to win four Oscars for a single film. With Anora, he received awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.

      Baker is also recognized for his breakout film Tangerine (2015), which was shot entirely on an iPhone 5S, The Florida Project (2017)—which earned Willem Dafoe a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Oscars—and 2021’s Red Rocket, among other works.

      The creative team for “Sandiwara” also includes producer Samantha Quan, who played a vital role in bringing Anora to fruition. She has also contributed to The Florida Project and Red Rocket. Another producer is Alex Coco, associated with Anora, The Sweet East, Red Rocket, and more.

      The cinematographer for the film is Christopher Ripley, a Los Angeles-based director of photography whose work spans music videos, narrative features, and short films. He has collaborated with various artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, Megan Thee Stallion, Rosalía, A$AP Rocky, and The Rolling Stones.

      Main image: Michelle Yeoh, the “Sandiwara” script, and Sean Baker. self-portrait.