Sometimes our boldest moments of becoming happen under pressure, or when we step into the spotlight. In this visual talk, Suyin Haynes guides audiences through three decades of Southeast Asian queer cinema history, exploring spectacle, rivalry, transformation and public performance across the region. Inspired by 10s Across the Borders, a documentary exploring ballroom culture, this event highlights films depicting moments of transformation and the connections these shifts hold with queerness. From beauty queens and boxing rings to drag stages and documentary portraiture, it stages a focused introduction to performance cultures in Southeast Asian cinema. Prepare to meet colourful characters from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, and leave inspired by their exuberance and energy.
Festival 2026
Pageantry and Performance in Contemporary Southeast Asian Cinema: A Visual Talk
Presented by
Suyin Haynes
Suyin Haynes
Tickets
26 May 2026, 7:30 PM
BFI Reuben Library
Director Bio
Suyin Haynes is a Malaysian British freelance writer, educator and researcher focusing on storytelling at the intersections of identity, culture and underrepresented communities. She is a Lecturer in Journalism at City St George’s, University of London, and is completing an MA in Southeast Asian Studies at SOAS with a focus on visual culture throughout the region. She has previously programmed and curated events platforming Southeast Asian cinema in partnership with the Barbican, Brixton Community Cinema, and ESEA Film Night.
