Screenings

Synopsis

Faris is the transman lead singer of Shh..Diam!, an openly queer punk band in Malaysia. Together with his bandmates Yon and Yoyo, they use their music to fight for LGBTQI+ rights in a country where human rights and freedom of expression is severely curtailed by a conservative Muslim society. Faced with increasing discrimination, Yoyo decides to leave Malaysia. Despite the challenges, Faris chooses to stay, determined to continue using their music as a platform for advocating for freedom and equality, refusing to let the pressures of society silence their voice.
“Amidst the challenges of ‚pink migration‘, where many seek spaces to simply exist, collective care and camaraderie become essential lifelines. The Covid-19 pandemic adds another layer of hardship, yet the band perseveres, using their music and gigs to vent, flirt and share laughs. With their bold sound and infectious energy, “Shh…Diam!” will have you singing along in no time!“ (Berlinale)

Director

Yihwen Chen

Biography

Yihwen Chen is a Malaysian documentary filmmaker and journalist. Her work focuses on human rights, social issues, gender equality, politics, and environmental justice. Her documentary THE HIDDEN CUT on female circumcision won the 2019 Society of Publishers in Asia Award for Excellence in Reporting Women’s Issues. Her debut feature EYE ON THE BALL, about Malaysia’s blind football team, premiered in London. Her short documentary THE BOY’S CLUB won the NETPAC Award at the Busan International Short Film Festival. Her second feature QUEER AS PUNK was supported by the Hot Docs CrossCurrents Fund and the IDA Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund, and premiered at the Berlinale. Chen is an alumna of IDFAcademy and the American Film Showcase.

Filmography

The Hidden Cut (2019), Eye on the Ball (2019), The Boy’s Club (2022), Queer as Punk (2025)

Links /Contacts