THE BEAUTY OF BALLROOM

THE BEAUTY OF BALLROOM explores the still-young, yet impressively vibrant, courageous and diverse ballroom scene in South-East Asia.

At the heart of the film are Teddy (‘House of Oricci’), Xyza (‘The Iconic House of Mizrahi’) and Sun (‘The Royal House of Labeija’), three protagonists from Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, who come from very different walks of life yet are united by a shared passion: Vogueing as a powerful means of self-expression, and the ballroom scene as a place of belonging, protection and self-empowerment. A community that longs to be seen, heard and understood.

The film takes viewers on a global journey into the ballroom scene, delving into nightlife and club culture to create a feast for the senses – unflinching, provocative and right in the thick of it.

Sze-Wei CHAN is a documentary filmmaker specialising in dance and its forms of expression. Their films explore stories, identities and social issues that deviate from the norm. Sze is also a choreographer, arts journalist, parent and activist for LGBTQIA+ and artists’ rights.

About the film: Inspired by New York’s Black and Latin American ballroom culture, Teddy, Xyza and Sun are building their own ballroom communities in South-East Asia, creating safe spaces for people affected by homophobia, transphobia, colourism and social exclusion. In Malaysia, Teddy finds in the ballroom the connection and self-affirmation that he lacked during his childhood, which was marked by violence. In the Philippines, Xyza transforms experiences of rejection and colourism into a movement of visibility and empowerment. In Thailand, Sun uses the ballroom and performance art to come to terms with issues of origin, family and queer identity, and to give a voice to marginalised people. Blending voguing, performance and chosen family, the film tells the story of three artists who live the ballroom not merely as a form of dance, but as an act of survival, healing and resistance.

• BERLIN – Kino International
• 21 September, 9.30 pm
• Tickets HERE
• Performance with Aurora Sun LaBeija, Legendary Mother Leo Saint Laurent, Black Pearl 007, Gwapo Laveaux

Supported by the Federal Association of Trans*, Berlin Asian Film Network, Heinrich Böll Foundation, iHeartBerlin, Berlin Ballroom Pier, CiLENS, CSD Berlin.