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self-portrait residency

“Sandiwara is an extension of my pre-existing love for independent cinema and with the support of Han Chong, Michelle Yeoh and the many other individuals who helped bring this vision to life, we were able to celebrate Malaysian culture in a big way, it was incredible to get to experience Penang and to have been given the freedom to create a film that spans beyond traditional fashion and cinema integration.”

- Sean Baker

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In 2024, self-portrait Residency launched as a platform to support leading independent creatives. The initiative champions best-in-class creativity across all disciplines, offering access to self-portrait’s infrastructure and resources while giving external creatives the freedom to dream, experiment and create on their own terms.​

This programme invites leading independent creatives from across disciplines - including art, fashion, architecture, entertainment, and culture - to experiment, innovate, and push the boundaries of their craft for a limited period of time, creating a temporary home for dialogue, risk-taking, and shared inspiration.


Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sean Baker presents a film for self-portrait Residency titled Sandiwara. Named after the Malay and Indonesian word meaning “drama, theatrical performance or play”, the title captures the essence and spirit of the film which is an exploration of Malaysian culture through the lens of food, music and womanhood. 

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Independent in every part of his practice - from the stories he chooses to tell to the way he makes his films - Baker embodies the spirit of self-reliance and creativity that inspired Han Chong to establish his fashion house in the first place.

Shot entirely on location in Penang, Sandiwara stars Academy Award-winning Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh in the lead role/s.