The film was shot in Penang by maverick Sean Baker with just an iPhone

When Han Chong, founder of self-portrait, sat down to plan this short film, he had one goal: make something that was a genuine love letter to his hometown of Penang. And for a project that was personal, only two collaborators were ever on the table, he tells Buzzfeed Asia.

Sean Baker – the Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind Anora – had been someone Han had admired for years, waiting for the right moment. This was it. Baker was invited to write and direct as part of self-portrait's Residency programme, and the result became Sandiwara, a project that took on a life none of them had anticipated.

Then there's Dato’ Michelle Yeoh. “She is and always will be Miss Malaysia in my eyes,” Han says – no hesitation. She was the number one choice, full stop, for her ability to deliver chameleonic performances. The fact that Baker and Yeoh had never worked together before? That felt like a feature, not a bug.

Sean Baker shot the whole thing on an iPhone – and it's a masterclass

The process began earlier last year, with Han deliberately giving Baker space and time. But the real version of Sandiwara didn't emerge until Baker and his producing partner Samantha Quan actually landed in Penang, walking its streets, letting the script develop organically from total immersion.

When it came time to shoot, Baker kept the production agile and intimate – capturing Penang's energy entirely on iPhone. “The shoot itself was very fast – two days – as we wanted it to feel honest, and run and gun. It was the most amazing experience,” Han shares.Michelle Yeoh described the experience on set as a “masterclass” with Baker. Baker himself called working with her “a really wonderful outlet” and says getting to collaborate with “the incomparable Michelle for the first time” was the ultimate bonus.

Dato’ Michelle Yeoh plays FIVE characters – who all interact with each other

Five. Different. Characters. All played by Michelle Yeoh. All sharing the screen with each other. They are: The Hawker, Vlogger, Waitress, Critic and Singer. Each character has her own wardrobe, aesthetic, and attitude. Han tells me, “We spent a lot of time with Michelle working through each of the looks, so that they felt honest to her, and in keeping with how she was going to perform as each character.” And it shows.

And of course, central to Sandiwara is Penang's celebrated food scene. Baker's approach treats the city not as a backdrop but as a living, breathing character in the story – and the food is its language. The film features some of the island's most beloved dishes such as Hainanese Chicken, Char Kway Teow, Loh Bak, Nasi Kandar and Penang Nasi Lemak.

Each dish is a reflection of the island's multicultural culinary identity – and Han's deeply personal connection to home. “Every time I return, it feels so familiar, while at the same time making me think about how far I've come on my own journey,” he shares.

Shooting in Penang was Han’s conscious choice. It’s where he was born and raised, and where his family still lives. “It represents a huge amount to me – and every time I return, it feels so familiar, while at the same time making me think about how far I’ve come on my own journey,” he says.

“It was a very moving experience to be able to share that with Sean and Michelle too; for them to see Penang through a very personal lens, and for me to see it through their eyes too. Filming Sandiwara there and seeing Penang immortalised in that way has meant more than I ever imagined,” he shares.

Watching Malaysian audiences respond to the film has made him “incredibly proud” – and he calls it one of the things he's most proud of.