Anthony Chen Guides Emerging Talent at Shanghai Film Fest, Unveils New Episodic Series

Singaporean auteur Anthony Chen, whose poignant family dramas have consistently garnered international acclaim, is set to pivot from globe-trotting premieres to the discerning role of jury president at the 2026 Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF). This prestigious appointment places him at the helm of the Asian New Talent section, a crucial platform for discovering emerging filmmakers across the continent. While navigating a packed schedule that recently saw his latest film, 'We Are All Strangers,' opening major festivals in Hong Kong and Italy, Chen now embraces the opportunity to identify and champion the cinematic voices of tomorrow, all while quietly developing a significant new project that promises to redefine his creative trajectory.

Quick summary

• Anthony Chen is presiding over the Asian New Talent jury at the 2026 Shanghai International Film Festival, tasked with evaluating films from first and second-time directors.
• His latest film, 'We Are All Strangers,' recently premiered internationally, concluding his acclaimed 'Growing Up' trilogy that began with 'Ilo Ilo.'
• Chen is embarking on his first episodic venture, a 12-part food and family series developed as a Chinese-Singaporean co-production with producer Meng Xie.
• The Asian New Talent section at SIFF has a storied history of launching the careers of notable Asian directors, including Ning Hao and Makoto Shinkai.

Why it matters

Anthony Chen's role as jury president at the Shanghai International Film Festival holds significant weight for the Asian film industry and beyond. His presence lends considerable prestige to the Asian New Talent section, a vital incubator for filmmakers from a region increasingly recognized for its diverse storytelling. For emerging directors, a nod from a respected, internationally awarded figure like Chen can be a career-defining moment, providing crucial visibility and validation in a highly competitive landscape. Furthermore, Chen's personal transition into episodic television, particularly through a Chinese-Singaporean co-production, signals a broader industry trend. It highlights the growing importance of regional collaborations in expanding market reach and diversifying content offerings, influencing how filmmakers approach storytelling and audience engagement in an era of global streaming. His project could set a precedent for future cross-border ventures in television, demonstrating how universal themes like food and family can bridge cultural divides and tap into vast new audiences.

Background

Anthony Chen's filmmaking journey began its ascent with his striking debut feature, 'Ilo Ilo,' in 2013. This intimate family drama, set against the backdrop of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, captivated critics and audiences alike, earning him the coveted Camera d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and over 40 other international awards. This triumph not only launched his career onto the global stage but also established his signature style: a nuanced exploration of human relationships and societal dynamics within his home country of Singapore. He continued this thematic thread with 'Wet Season' in 2019, and most recently, 'We Are All Strangers,' which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival before making its rounds at other prominent events like the Hong Kong International Film Festival and Italy’s Far East Film Festival. This latest work completes what Chen refers to as his 'Growing Up' trilogy, solidifying his reputation for deeply resonant, character-driven narratives.

Simultaneously, the Shanghai International Film Festival, particularly its Asian New Talent section, has cultivated its own rich history as a launchpad for significant voices in regional cinema. Over the years, this competition has been instrumental in unearthing talents who have gone on to achieve widespread recognition. Notable alumni include Chinese hitmaker Ning Hao, celebrated for films like 'Mongolian Ping Pong,' and the Japanese anime maestro Makoto Shinkai, known for 'The Place Promised in Our Early Days' and later blockbusters like 'Your Name.' The late Tibetan filmmaker Pema Tseden, widely admired for his distinct cinematic vision, also emerged through this very platform. This legacy underscores the critical role SIFF plays in fostering a vibrant, interconnected Asian film community, making Chen's jury presidency a natural fit given his own journey from emerging talent to established master.

From Festival Darling to Talent Scout

Chen’s own experience with festival recognition deeply informs his approach to jury duty. Having benefited immensely from the exposure and validation 'Ilo Ilo' received, he understands the transformative power these platforms hold for nascent careers. He joins a diverse jury panel that includes acclaimed directors Kamila Andini from Indonesia, Liu Jiayin from China, and Farkhat Sharipov from Kazakhstan, alongside Taiwanese actress Wen Qi. Together, they face the challenging task of sifting through twelve films, each representing the aspirations of a first or second-time filmmaker from across Asia. This collective effort is aimed at identifying works that not only exhibit technical prowess but also resonate on a profound human level, embodying the kind of storytelling that Chen himself champions.

The Art of Jury Duty: Cold Watching and Respect

When it comes to evaluating films, Chen adopts a deliberately impartial stance. He eschews pre-screening research, preferring to watch each submission 'cold,' without the influence of reviews or plot synopses. This method, he explains, allows him to be genuinely surprised and to experience the film on its own terms, much like an ordinary audience member might. However, this commitment to a fresh perspective is coupled with an intense dedication to the task. He describes taking jury duty with utmost seriousness, even relying on copious amounts of coffee to ensure he remains fully attentive throughout screenings. For Chen, maintaining focus is a fundamental mark of respect for the filmmakers whose work he is judging, a testament to his understanding of the immense effort and passion poured into each creation.

His criteria for exceptional cinema are both instinctive and refined. He seeks films that evoke a deep human response, not through superficial sentimentality, but through profound reflection that prompts introspection about one's own humanity. As a director himself, he admits to an inherent appreciation for masterful mise-en-scène and sophisticated cinematic language. Yet, he believes the most impactful films often adhere to the principle of 'less is more,' achieving maximum emotional resonance through understated elegance and precise execution. This philosophy will undoubtedly guide his deliberations, as he searches for works that speak to universal truths with originality and artistic integrity.

Venturing into Episodic Storytelling

Beyond his festival commitments, Chen is charting new territory with his first foray into episodic content. He revealed details of a 12-part series currently in development at his company, Giraffe Pictures, which he is set to show-run. This ambitious project marries two universally appealing themes: food and family, subjects that resonate deeply with Chen's personal values and storytelling sensibilities. Slated for production in the coming months, the series is structured as a Chinese-Singaporean co-production, rekindling his successful collaboration with producer Meng Xie, with whom he previously worked on 'The Breaking Ice.'

This shift to episodic storytelling represents a significant evolution in Chen's career, signaling an adaptability to the changing media landscape. It allows for a more expansive narrative canvas, exploring characters and themes over an extended period. The strategic choice of a Chinese-Singaporean co-production also highlights the increasing trend of cross-border creative partnerships within Asia, leveraging shared cultural elements and access to diverse markets. This venture is poised to expand his influence beyond feature films, potentially introducing his distinctive storytelling voice to a wider global audience through the burgeoning streaming ecosystem.

Shanghai's Unique Charm

Chen's connection to Shanghai extends beyond his professional duties. He professes a deep affection for the city, hailing it as one of his favorites worldwide. Its distinctive 'East-meets-West' legacy, a product of its rich colonial history, provides a unique cultural tapestry that he finds endlessly fascinating. He particularly enjoys wandering through the tree-lined streets of the French Concession, where the old-world charm occasionally evokes a sense of being in Europe. This blend of historic architecture, vibrant cafes, avant-garde galleries, and sophisticated fashion boutiques contributes to an atmosphere he never tires of exploring. This personal affinity for Shanghai undoubtedly played a role in his eager acceptance of the jury president invitation, allowing him to combine his passion for film with his appreciation for a city that embodies a compelling fusion of cultures.

Qnews24h insight

Anthony Chen’s dual role at the Shanghai International Film Festival—as a respected jury president and a filmmaker transitioning into episodic content—underscores several key trends in the contemporary global film industry. His commitment to identifying new talent through SIFF highlights the enduring, critical importance of film festivals as cultural gatekeepers and career launchpads, even as distribution channels diversify. In an age where content is increasingly fragmented, these festivals remain vital hubs for discovery, validation, and networking, especially for independent and regional cinema. Moreover, Chen’s strategic move into a 12-part episodic series, particularly as a Chinese-Singaporean co-production centered on universal themes like food and family, reflects the industry's pivot towards long-form storytelling and cross-border collaborations. This not only broadens a filmmaker's creative scope but also demonstrates a pragmatic approach to tapping into vast Asian markets and global streaming platforms. Such ventures exemplify the growing synergy between traditional filmmaking artistry and the demands of modern media consumption, pointing towards a future where regional co-productions become increasingly central to global content creation and cultural exchange.

Sources

• Anthony Chen on Shanghai Jury Duty and His New Food-Family Series (hollywoodreporter.com)

FAQ

• What is Anthony Chen's role at the 2026 Shanghai International Film Festival?
  Anthony Chen is serving as the president of the Asian New Talent jury at the 2026 Shanghai International Film Festival, where he will help identify and celebrate emerging filmmakers from across Asia.
• What new project is Anthony Chen currently developing?
  Anthony Chen is developing his first episodic series, a 12-part production focused on themes of food and family. It is planned as a Chinese-Singaporean co-production.
• How have film festivals impacted Anthony Chen's career?
  Film festivals, particularly the Cannes Film Festival where his debut 'Ilo Ilo' won the Camera d'Or, were instrumental in launching Anthony Chen's international career by providing significant acclaim and opening numerous opportunities.
• What is the significance of the Asian New Talent section at SIFF?
  The Asian New Talent section at the Shanghai International Film Festival is a crucial platform for discovering and showcasing promising new directors from Asia, having previously launched the careers of notable filmmakers like Ning Hao and Makoto Shinkai.