Anthony Chen, the Singaporean filmmaker, is gearing up for the Shanghai International Film Festival, where he will serve as the president of the Asian New Talent jury. With his latest film, We Are All Strangers, having already made waves at the Berlin Film Festival and the Hong Kong International Film Festival, Chen is no stranger to the impact of film festivals on his career. As he prepares to assess 12 films from across Asia by first- or second-time filmmakers, Chen reflects on the role of festivals in launching young talent and the importance of being surprised by cinema.
A Filmmaker's Journey
Chen's journey in the film industry began with his debut feature, Ilo Ilo, which won over 40 awards worldwide, including the prestigious Cannes Camera d'Or. This success not only launched his career but also opened doors to the global film scene. When asked about the impact of festival screenings and awards on his early films, Chen expresses his gratitude, stating, 'I was very fortunate. 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. That essentially launched my career and opened so many doors and opportunities.'
The Power of Discovery
As the president of the Asian New Talent jury, Chen is eager to discover fresh talent and support the next generation of filmmakers. He highlights the importance of film festivals in this process, saying, 'I truly believe in the value of film festivals — they’re such important launchpads for young filmmakers.' Chen's own experience at Cannes and other festivals has shaped his perspective on the power of discovery, noting, 'Ilo Ilo — and Cannes — kick-started my career and lifted me into the global film industry’s consciousness with the acclaim and awards that followed.'
A Personal Perspective on Cinema
When it comes to his own cinematic tastes, Chen values films that move him on a human level, prompting reflection and contemplation. He explains, 'I love to be moved on a human level, not in a tear-jerking, sentimental way, but in a profound way. Those films usually make you reflect and contemplate questions about your own humanity.' As a director, he is also drawn to masterful mise-en-scène and cinematic language, but he emphasizes the importance of simplicity, stating, 'The best ones are always those that understand ‘less is more.'
Shanghai's Role in Asian Cinema
Chen sees the Shanghai International Film Festival as a crucial platform for Chinese-language and Asian cinema. He highlights the Asian New Talent section as a shining example of the festival's commitment to discovering young talent, citing the likes of Pema Tseden, Ning Hao, and Makoto Shinkai as notable alumni. Chen believes that Shanghai plays a vital role in nurturing and showcasing the diverse talents of the region, saying, 'The Asian New Talent section, in particular, is a shining example of Shanghai’s role in discovering young Asian filmmakers.'
A New Venture: Episodic Television
In addition to his film work, Chen is venturing into the world of episodic television with a 12-part series developed at his company, Giraffe Pictures. This marks his first foray into the episodic format, and he is excited to explore the genre. He shares, 'I have a 12-part episodic series that I’ve developed at my company Giraffe Pictures. It is my first dive into the episodic world, and I am excited about show-running this. We are scheduled to go into production in the next few months.' The series, a Chinese-Singapore co-production, combines universal themes of food and family with Chen's personal values, making it a project he is particularly passionate about.
A City of Inspiration
When asked about his favorite place in Shanghai, Chen expresses his love for the city, noting its unique blend of East and West. He says, '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. 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.' This love for Shanghai has made him eager to contribute to the city's cultural scene, which is why he readily accepted the role of jury president for the Asian New Talent section.
As Chen prepares for his jury duty, he embraces the challenge with enthusiasm, eager to discover new talent and support the growth of Asian cinema. With his own successful career and a deep appreciation for the power of film festivals, Chen is well-equipped to guide and inspire the next wave of filmmakers.
