The Infocomm Media Development Authority announced that “We Are All Strangers,” written and directed by Anthony Chen, will represent Singapore in the international feature race at the 99th Academy Awards. A selection committee drawn from the Singapore Film Commission Advisory Committee made the determination.
The film explores family relationships and life changes within a contemporary Singapore setting. It features performances from Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler, alongside Andi Lim and Regene Lim. Earlier this year, the film made history by becoming the first Singaporean production selected for the main competition at the Berlin Film Festival during its 76-year history, where it competed among 21 international submissions.
“We Are All Strangers” marks the conclusion of Chen’s Growing Up trilogy, which began with “Ilo Ilo” in 2013 and continued with “Wet Season” in 2019. The previous two entries in the trilogy accumulated more than 50 international awards collectively, including 12 Golden Horse nominations and five Golden Horse Awards. “Ilo Ilo” also won the Caméra d’Or at Cannes. Both earlier films previously served as Singapore’s Oscar submissions at the 86th and 93rd Academy Awards ceremonies.
Produced by Chen’s Giraffe Pictures and backed by the IMDA, the film opened in Singapore cinemas in August and is expanding to international markets. Paradise City Sales handles worldwide sales, while Film Movement manages North American distribution rights. The film is currently screening at the Toronto Film Festival, marking its North American premiere.
Officials noted that Chen has demonstrated a distinctive talent for crafting narratives with strong Singapore foundations that appeal to global audiences. Chen expressed that the selection held significant meaning, reflecting a decade-long commitment to the trilogy project.
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