2026 Patron
Sean Baker
American independent filmmaker Sean Baker joined Slough Motion’s 2026 edition as Patron. His short film SANDIWARA, starring Michelle Yeoh, was presented at the festival opening in Lyon.
The filmmaker
Director, screenwriter, editor and producer, Sean Baker has spent more than two decades building an independent body of work defined by close attention to characters, overlooked communities and contemporary realities. From Tangerine to The Florida Project, Red Rocket and Anora, his filmmaking combines immediacy, humanity and creative freedom. In 2026, Slough Motion welcomed him as Patron of its first edition and presented SANDIWARA as the festival’s opening film.
Opening film · September 22
Official poster
SANDIWARA
Written and directed by Sean Baker · Starring Michelle Yeoh · Reuben Kang · Sunny Lau
Une célébration vibrante de la culture malaisienne, de l’identité et du cinéma indépendant.
Shot in Penang, SANDIWARA follows Michelle Yeoh in a multifaceted performance at the heart of a story exploring femininity, cultural identity, culinary traditions and the energy of contemporary Malaysia.
Festival screening
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
7:00 PM · UGC Astoria
Opening ceremony · Open to the public · €7
