Ever since Sean Baker‘s historic night time on the Academy Awards in 2025 — when he gained Oscars for Greatest Authentic Screenplay, Greatest Director, Greatest Modifying, and Greatest Image for “Anora” — cinephiles have been ready to see what he would direct subsequent. Now we’ve got our reply, as Baker now takes a brand new quick movie to Berlin.
Written and directed by Baker and produced by the London vogue home Self-Portrait, “Drama” stars Michelle Yeoh in a slice of life within the Malaysian metropolis of Penang. Notably, Penang can also be the unique dwelling of Self-Portrait founder Han Chong.
An official synopsis described the challenge as “a daring, immersive celebration of womanhood, cultural id, culinary heritage and the spirit of unbiased cinema.” Press supplies additionally famous that “named after the Malay phrase which means “drama, theatrical efficiency or play,” the title captures the essence and spirit of the movie which is an exploration of Malaysian tradition by means of the lens of meals, music and womanhood.”
Whereas Baker has but to announce his first post-“Anora” characteristic movie, he has stayed fairly busy within the 12 months since his Oscars sweep. Along with engaged on “Sandiwara,” he co-wrote and edited Taiwan’s official Oscar submission “Left-Handed Woman,” which was directed by his longtime collaborator Shih-Ching Tsou.
Baker has additionally made it clear that when he is able to make one other characteristic, it is going to be on a scale much like his earlier works. Talking to The Hollywood Reporter in 2025, the director defined that he’s not involved in giving up his independence to make a bigger film.
“It’s not going to occur,” he mentioned when requested in regards to the prospect of constructing a franchise blockbuster. “I’m deliberately going to remain in the identical wheelhouse and with the approximate identical price range. I feel that I get pleasure from working on this house of one hundred pc unbiased.”
Yeoh, who lately concluded a two-film arc taking part in Madame Morrible in “Depraved” and “Depraved: For Good,” will subsequent be seen in Amazon’s “Blade Runner 2099” restricted collection.
“Sandiwara” could have its world premiere as a particular screening on the 2026 Berlin Worldwide Movie Competition. Watch the trailer beneath.