Singaporean Director Anthony Chen Commences Production on 'We Are All Strangers'; Set to Complete Trilogy

Award-winning Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen, celebrated for his intimate and emotionally resonant dramas, has officially commenced principal photography for his highly anticipated feature film, "We Are All Strangers." This momentous production is set to mark the third and final installment in his critically acclaimed "Growing Up" trilogy, which began with the Camera d'Or-winning "Ilo Ilo" (2013) and continued with "Wet Season" (2019).

Filming is taking place entirely in contemporary Singapore, bringing Chen's narrative lens back to his home ground. The project reunites him with his frequent collaborators, esteemed actors Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler, who starred in the previous two films of the trilogy, promising a familiar and beloved presence on screen.

"This third film in the trilogy has been brewing in my head for several years," Chen shared, reflecting on the deeply personal nature of the project. "Each of these films is deeply personal to me. It is exactly 12 years since 'Ilo Ilo,' and with 'We Are All Strangers,' we will have come full circle."

Following his recent international productions, "Drift" (his English-language debut, filmed in Greece and premiered at Sundance 2023) and "The Breaking Ice" (his first Mainland Chinese film, premiered at Cannes 2023), this project represents a significant return to the Singaporean setting. Chen aims to immerse himself fully in the local environment, promising a film that captures the authentic pulse of contemporary Singaporean life.

Chen noted that this production, which is just beginning, is anticipated to be his longest and most challenging shoot to date. "I'm grateful to my entire team who believed and pushed on. It really takes a village to make a film. And it also takes a lot of goodwill and kindness that we received along the way to make the impossible possible. We were helped by strangers from all walks of life," he remarked, hinting at the collaborative spirit and potential for unexpected support during the filmmaking process.

While specific plot details are being kept under wraps to allow audiences to discover the narrative in due time, the film is expected to continue Chen's nuanced exploration of human relationships and the quiet dramas that unfold within families and communities. His films are celebrated for their naturalistic performances and their ability to shed light on universal emotions through specific cultural contexts.

With "We Are All Strangers" now entering production, cinephiles eagerly anticipate its release, currently expected in 2026. This film is poised to be a poignant and reflective conclusion to a pivotal series in Anthony Chen's illustrious career, further cementing his legacy as one of Southeast Asia's most significant cinematic voices.