TITE Film Festival: Queer as Punk

CLUB 18+104 min

Based out of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Shh..Diam! is a queer punk band with a self-described non-binary sound at the intersection of punk, metal and jazz. The band’s explicitly gay lyrics face down conservative traditions and religious extremism, a rebellious attitude carried out throughout the members’ music and activism.

This riotous documentary follows Shh..Diam! through several years of songwriting, gigs all over Malaysia, international tours, and waves of homophobic legislation and violence in their home country. At the heart of the film is Shh..Diam!’s magnetic trans frontman Faris, doggedly optimistic despite societal and personal setbacks. While Malaysia’s anti-LGBTQ+ stance isolates its queer community, the members of Shh..Diam! – irrevocably changed by their circumstances – refuse to be silenced.

Feature Runtime: 88’

Presented in partnership with our friends at Queer Spectrum Film Festival.

PRE-FEATURE SHORT:

Where Are You From?

(2025, So-called Australia, 6’)

Dir. Stevie Vickery

Writ. Naavikaran

This doco-style music film introduces Melbourne based musician and debut filmmaker Naavikaran, and her South Asian futurist lore.