Anthony Chen Leads Shanghai Film Fest’s Asian New Talent Jury, Unveils First TV Series

Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen has been navigating a busy schedule in 2026, primarily focused on his latest production, We Are All Strangers. The film premiered in competition at the Berlin International Film Festival in February and subsequently opened at both the Hong Kong International Film Festival and Italy’s Far East Film Festival in Udine in April.

We Are All Strangers serves as the concluding piece of what Chen refers to as his “Growing Up” trilogy. This trilogy includes his Cannes Camera d’Or-winning debut, Ilo Ilo (2013), and Wet Season (2019). The films explore the complexities of relationships and life in Singapore.

With the Shanghai International Film Festival on the horizon, Chen is set to take a moment to recharge and reflect as he assumes the role of president of the Asian New Talent jury. His earlier work, Ilo Ilo, significantly boosted his career and established his presence in the global film industry.

Chen will be joined by directors Kamila Andini from Indonesia, Liu Jiayin from China, and Farkhat Sharipov from Kazakhstan, along with Taiwanese actress Wen Qi. Together, they will evaluate 12 films from emerging filmmakers across the region.

The Asian New Talent section of the festival has a notable legacy, having previously showcased talents like Chinese filmmaker Ning Hao (Mongolian Ping Pong) and Japanese anime director Makoto Shinkai (The Place Promised in Our Early Days). Chen acknowledges the challenging decisions ahead but is prepared for the task, fueled by coffee.

Chen expressed enthusiasm about the lineup for this year’s competition, noting that several titles and directors have already piqued his interest. He anticipates discovering some remarkable films.

When it comes to his approach to jury duty, Chen prefers to watch films without prior knowledge. He avoids reading reviews or plot summaries, opting instead for the element of surprise. He emphasizes the importance of respect for filmmakers and their work, stating that he takes the jurying process seriously.

Reflecting on his own career, Chen noted the significant impact of festival screenings and awards on his trajectory. His debut film, Ilo Ilo, garnered over 40 awards globally, including the Camera d’Or at Cannes and multiple Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan. This recognition opened numerous doors for him, reinforcing his belief in the vital role of film festivals as launchpads for emerging filmmakers.

Chen articulated what he seeks in films, emphasizing a desire for profound emotional engagement rather than mere sentimentality. He appreciates films that provoke reflection on humanity and is drawn to masterful cinematic techniques. He believes that the best films often embrace the principle of “less is more.”

The Shanghai International Film Festival plays a crucial role in promoting Chinese-language and Asian cinema, particularly through the Asian New Talent section. Chen highlighted the impressive roster of filmmakers who have emerged from this platform, including the late Pema Tseden, Ning Hao, Makoto Shinkai, and Tom Lin.

In terms of his own projects, Chen revealed that he is developing a 12-part episodic series at his company, Giraffe Pictures. This marks his first venture into episodic storytelling, and he is eager to take on the role of showrunner. The series, which explores themes of food and family, is set to begin production in the coming months and is established as a Chinese-Singapore co-production in collaboration with producer Meng Xie, who previously worked with Chen on The Breaking Ice.

Chen expressed his fondness for Shanghai, describing it as one of his favorite cities globally, distinguished by its unique East-meets-West heritage. He enjoys strolling through the tree-lined streets of the French Concession, appreciating its old-world charm, cafes, galleries, and boutiques. This affection for the city contributed to his decision to accept the role of jury president for the Asian New Talent section.

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-06-15 04:30:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk