Anthony Chen, the prolific Singaporean filmmaker, is gearing up for a busy year, with his latest film, We Are All Strangers, already making waves at prestigious film festivals. As he prepares to take on the role of president of the Asian New Talent jury at the Shanghai International Film Festival, Chen reflects on his journey and the impact of film festivals on his career. With a rich history of discovering emerging talent, Shanghai holds a special place in Chen's heart, and he is eager to contribute to its legacy.
A Busy Schedule and a Reflecting Moment
Chen's schedule has been packed with festival appearances, including Berlin, Hong Kong, and Udine, where We Are All Strangers received critical acclaim. Now, with the Shanghai Film Festival on the horizon, he finds himself in a moment of reflection. As he prepares to assess the region's emerging filmmakers, Chen acknowledges the pressure of the task, but remains optimistic about the potential discoveries.
"I’m excited. I can tell there will be some real gems to discover," he says, highlighting his enthusiasm for the competition. "Despite what I just said about being excited by certain titles, I actually like to watch a film cold. I never read reviews or plot synopses. I like to be surprised." This approach, he explains, allows him to engage with the films on a deeper level, free from external influences.
The Impact of Film Festivals on Chen's Career
Chen's early films, Ilo Ilo and Wet Season, were launched at Cannes and Shanghai, respectively, and the impact of these festivals on his career cannot be overstated. "My first film, Ilo Ilo, won over 40 awards around the world, including the Camera d’Or in Cannes and multiple Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan," he recalls. "That essentially launched my career and opened so many doors and opportunities." Chen believes that film festivals are crucial launchpads for young filmmakers, providing them with the exposure and recognition they need to succeed.
The Role of Shanghai in Asian Cinema
Shanghai, with its Asian New Talent section, plays a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing emerging Asian filmmakers. Chen highlights the success stories of past participants, including the late Pema Tseden, Ning Hao, and Makoto Shinkai. "The Asian New Talent section, in particular, is a shining example of Shanghai’s role in discovering young Asian filmmakers," he says. "If you look at the list of filmmakers who came through this section, it’s quite luminous." Chen is eager to contribute to this tradition, hoping to uncover the next generation of cinematic talent.
Chen's Own Projects and Future Endeavors
While at the festival, Chen will also be exploring partnerships and discussing his own projects. He is currently developing a 12-part episodic series for his company, Giraffe Pictures, marking his first foray into the world of television. "It marries food and family — universal themes, but also what I personally value a lot," he explains. "This is set up as a Chinese-Singapore co-production and I am partnering [producer] Meng Xie again on this, who worked with me on The Breaking Ice." Chen is excited about the project, which combines his love for storytelling with his personal values.
A Love for Shanghai and Its East-Meets-West Charm
When asked about his favorite spots in Shanghai, Chen's enthusiasm is palpable. "I love Shanghai. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world, and so different from every other Chinese city because of its East-meets-West legacy," he says. "I love walking down the tree-lined streets in the French Concession area, I never get bored of its old-world charm. There are moments you might forget and think you’re in Europe. I love the cafes, the galleries, the fashion boutiques, everything." Chen's love for the city is evident, and it is clear that Shanghai holds a special place in his heart.
As Chen prepares to take on his new role, he is eager to contribute to the festival's legacy and discover the next wave of Asian talent. With his passion for cinema and his deep connection to Shanghai, he is well-equipped to make a meaningful impact on the Asian New Talent jury. The future of Asian cinema is in good hands with filmmakers like Chen leading the way.
