Queer as Punk (in-person & online)

Documentary

Riotous documentary Queer as Punk follows Malaysian punk band “Shh…Diam!”, who boldly defy their name – Malay for “shut up!” – by shouting their truth to the world in a country that denies LGBTQ+ rights.

Director Yihwen Chen (Eye on the Ball) invites us into the lives of band members Faris, Yon and Yoyo as the political landscape of Malaysia shifts. Despite the restrictive atmosphere of their country, where homosexuality is illegal and freedom of expression limited, they are unapologetically themselves onstage, hurling their truths at the audience with energy, intelligence and pitch-black humour. For Shh…Diam!, punk isn’t just an aesthetic – it’s resistance, resilience, a lifeline that keeps them going.

Chronicling the journey of this chosen family both on and off stage as they spread their message with irresistible charm, we see them take a fearless stance against government repression, turning every performance into both a protest and a celebration.