PUSSYPUSSIERTHE PUSSIEST
If the world doesn’t accept you and your kind, trailblaze a world that does. Inspired by the Black and Latinx underground Ballroom culture of New York, Sun, Teddy, and Xyza create Ballroom communities in Southeast Asia as safe havens from homophobia, transphobia, color discrimination and HIV stigma.
10s Across the Borders is showing in 1 cinema in Berlin - next screening Friday 6 November at 16:00 at Zeiss Major Planetarium.
Next screenings: Friday 6 November.
Full schedule
10s Across the Borders showtimes, refreshed every morning
Pick your cinema, get a nudge before it leaves screens.
PUSSYPUSSIERTHE PUSSIEST
the concept of chanting in malay in the new york city ballroom (so beautiful)
If the world doesn't accept you and your kind, trailblaze a world that does.That was the message I took away from 10s Across the Borders, a documentary following three Southeast Asians (a Filipino, a Thai-Norwegian, and a Malaysian) who helped build ballroom communities in their respective countries. Through ballroom and voguing (which reminded me Baktian in Cavite or Budots in Davao), they created spaces where people could freely express themselves, celebrate who they are, and find a sense of belonging. More than a dance community, it became a chosen family for many who never felt accepted elsewhere.After watching this, I found myself reflecting on the importance of empathy. Not everyone will understand what it feels like to be judged for who you are, to hide parts of yourself just to feel safe, or to spend years searching for a place where you truly belong. But we don't need to fully understand someone's journey to respect it. The stories in this documentary reminded me that everyone deserves the freedom to be seen, accepted, and loved without conditions. The world would be a much kinder place if we listened more, judged less, and made room for people to exist as their authentic selves.My only comment is that the editing sometimes felt a little disjointed. Because the film constantly moves between different countries and stories, I occasionally found it difficult to stay emotionally connected. The documentary often talks about finding a family through ballroom, and while I understood what it meant to the subjects, that emotional connection didn't always fully reach me. That may simply be a matter of personal connection rather than a flaw in their experiences.This documentary may not be for everyone, but if you're interested in stories about culture, identity, community, and queer lived experiences, it's worth checking out.Slay, Mama! 10s across the borders indeed. 💃✨NOW SHOWING.
It follows queer pioneers establishing underground Ballroom and voguing communities across Southeast Asia as safe havens from discrimination.
It was directed by filmmaker Sze-Wei Chan in 2026 as a hybrid documentary exploring regional queer kinship.
