Actress praises intense collaboration with director Sean Baker

A short film with big impact

February 25, 2026 – Academy Award–winning actress Michelle Yeoh has described her new short film Sandiwara as a “masterclass,” reflecting on the creative intensity behind the project. Directed by Sean Baker, the film was shot over just two days, yet has already drawn attention for its raw storytelling and minimalist approach.

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Working under pressure

Yeoh revealed that the compressed production schedule pushed everyone involved to their creative limits. Rather than seeing the short timeline as a constraint, she said it sharpened focus and stripped filmmaking down to its essentials — performance, emotion, and trust between collaborators.

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A meeting of creative minds

Baker, known for his naturalistic style and character-driven narratives, reportedly encouraged improvisation and emotional honesty on set. Yeoh praised his direction as fearless, noting that Sandiwara allowed her to explore performance without the safety net of spectacle or scale.

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Why ‘Sandiwara’ stands out

Despite its short format, the film has been described as emotionally layered and visually intimate. Industry insiders suggest the project exemplifies how short films can serve as creative laboratories, especially when led by filmmakers unafraid to take risks.

Final thoughts

Michelle Yeoh’s endorsement of Sandiwara underscores the power of focused storytelling. In just two days, the film became a reminder that meaningful cinema isn’t defined by length or budget — but by vision and collaboration.

FAQs

Q1: What is Sandiwara?
A short film directed by Sean Baker and starring Michelle Yeoh.

Q2: How long did it take to film?
The entire project was shot in just two days.

Q3: Why did Yeoh call it a “masterclass”?
She praised the intense, focused creative process.

Q4: Who directed the film?
Sean Baker.

Q5: Is this a theatrical release?
It is a short film primarily intended for festivals and special screenings.