German sales agent and distributor Rise and Shine has picked up international sales rights and German-speaking territories’ distribution rights to “10s Across the Borders,” a documentary from first-time filmmaker Chan Sze-Wei, it was revealed at Berlin’s European Film Market.
The documentary chronicles queer communities across Southeast Asia through a blend of observational footage, stylized dance sequences and a dynamic soundtrack. Filmed over seven years, the project tracks three community leaders in Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines as they draw from New York’s underground Ballroom culture to create spaces of empowerment for youth confronting transphobia, homophobia, HIV-stigma, sex work, colorism and poverty.
“10s Across the Borders” premiered in the documentary program at the Busan International Film Festival after receiving the festival’s Asian Cinema Fund. The film earned a nomination for best documentary at the 2025 Asia Pacific Screen Awards and served as the gala screening for the awards ceremony.