International Vogue Battles Ignite the Screen in ‘10s Across the Borders’

A dazzling new chapter in queer documentary filmmaking is about to unfold as ‘10s Across the Borders’ prepares for its world premiere at the 2025 Busan International Film Festival. Directed by Singaporean filmmaker Chan Sze-Wei, this powerful feature chronicles the rise and resilience of Southeast Asia’s ballroom scene, placing international vogue battles and community-building at the heart of its narrative .

Originating in New York City’s Black and Latinx LGBTQ communities in the 1970s and 1980s, ballroom culture has long been a bastion of self-expression and resistance . ‘10s Across the Borders’ pays homage to these origins while illuminating how the culture has been adapted and reimagined across Asia. The film follows the lives of four trailblazers—Sun (Thailand), Teddy (Malaysia), Xyza (Philippines), and figures in Singapore—who are carving out spaces for queer joy, safety, and self-realization in their respective countries .

Through the lens of vibrant vogue battles, the documentary captures not only the artistry and athleticism of ballroom but also the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities in Southeast Asia. Many participants navigate complex intersections of identity, family expectations, and societal norms, all while building chosen families and transnational networks that provide crucial affirmation and support .

For director Chan Sze-Wei, ‘10s Across the Borders’ is as much a personal journey as it is a chronicle of the ballroom movement. Invited by their friend Sun—a Thai dancer and organizer—to document the fledgling scene, Chan found themselves drawn into the heart of the community. The process of filming became intertwined with their own coming out as non-binary and as a queer parent, with the project serving both as documentation and affirmation .

Chan’s artistic background as a dance maker, arts journalist, and activist informs the film’s cinematic style, which blends intimate interviews, performance footage, and observational storytelling to create a portrait of resilience and kinship . “As a queer person and queer parent who’s never fit in, the communities in this film gave me the courage to come out as non-binary,” Chan reflected in a statement, underlining the transformative power of ballroom as both art and activism .

At its core, ‘10s Across the Borders’ is a celebration of the fierce international vogue battles that have become a hallmark of the ballroom scene. These battles, which see dancers compete in categories like vogue, runway, and realness, are more than just competitions—they are acts of cultural defiance, platforms for visibility, and opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to declare their existence and worth .

The documentary’s participants speak candidly about the importance of chosen family, finding kinship and solidarity in spaces where their identities are affirmed and celebrated. Through the stories of Sun, Teddy, Xyza, and their communities, the film explores how ballroom provides a sense of belonging that can be difficult to find elsewhere, particularly in countries where LGBTQ+ rights remain contested or under threat .

The world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival signals growing international recognition for Southeast Asia’s ballroom scene and its trailblazers . The documentary’s production, which spans the Philippines, Singapore, Germany, and the UK, reflects the cross-border nature of ballroom’s contemporary renaissance . Funded by grants from organizations including Purin Pictures, the Asian Cinema Fund, and the National Arts Council of Singapore, the film stands as a testament to international collaboration in queer storytelling .

Following its Busan debut, ‘10s Across the Borders’ is positioned to reach a wider audience through further festival screenings and potential distribution deals. As Southeast Asia’s ballroom culture continues to evolve, the documentary offers a rare and vital glimpse into a movement that is both rooted in history and vibrantly contemporary.

By shining a spotlight on the international vogue battles now ruling the runways of Southeast Asia, the film not only celebrates the creativity and resilience of its subjects but also challenges viewers to reimagine the possibilities of queer community in a globalized world.