The image shows three individuals of different gender identity posed with hands on hips in a gritty urban alleyway surrounded by brick buildings and colourful graffiti. Their eclectic, gender-nonconforming outfits — a floral pinafore dress over a yellow tee, a plaid dungaree dress with a furry hat, and an oversized blazer with a black skirt — suggest a queer and punk-influenced aesthetic.

Queer As Punk

Subtitled, Foreign language

About Queer As Punk

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.
 

Booking info

To book Accessible tickets and free Companion tickets, please visit our Accessible Bookings page. Companion tickets will initially show a standard ticket price, but once your account is set-up and you are logged in, this will be reduced to £0 at checkout.

Duration includes trailers, adverts and any Q&A/panel. For events such as NT Live, Colour Box and Reel & Meal there will be minimal advertising. We do not admit latecomers after the main feature has started and we have a limited food & drink policy.

MAC’s cinema programme has been generously supported by BFI Film Audience Network and Film Hub Midlands.

Dates and times

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