Singapore has chosen Anthony Chen’s latest film, “We Are All Strangers,” to represent the nation in the International Feature category at the upcoming 99th Academy Awards, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) announced on September 11.
The selection was finalized by a committee composed of eligible members from the Singapore Film Commission Advisory Committee. The drama, which explores family dynamics and sudden life shifts against the backdrop of modern Singapore, features recurring Chen collaborators Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler, alongside Andi Lim and Regene Lim.
This marks a significant milestone for the production, which became the first Singaporean film ever nominated for the main competition at the Berlin International Film Festival. The movie competed for the Golden Bear among 22 other global entries earlier this year.
“We Are All Strangers” serves as the concluding installment of Chen’s acclaimed “Growing Up” trilogy, following his 2013 debut “Ilo Ilo” and the 2019 release “Wet Season.” Those previous two titles garnered over 50 international awards collectively, including the Caméra d’Or at Cannes and five Golden Horse Awards. Both prior entries had also been submitted as Singapore’s official Oscar bids for the 86th and 93rd Academy Awards.
Produced by Chen’s Giraffe Pictures with support from IMDA, the film premiered in Singapore theaters in August and is currently screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. Paradise City Sales is managing worldwide distribution, while Film Movement handles North American rights.
Yvonne Tang, assistant chief executive at IMDA’s Media Industry Group, expressed pride in the selection. “Anthony has a remarkable ability to tell stories that are deeply rooted in Singapore while resonating with audiences around the world,” Tang said. “We’re excited to celebrate this latest milestone with Anthony, whose talent, dedication, and belief have driven the trilogy over the past 10 years. We also hope Singaporeans watch and support this film.”
Chen described the opportunity to close out his decade-long project on the global stage as a privilege. “These stories belong to Singapore, and presenting this final chapter of the trilogy to the world is a defining achievement for everyone who helped make them,” he said.
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