Director Anthony Chen has once again placed Singaporean cinema firmly on the world stage, with his latest feature film, We Are All Strangers, selected to compete for the prestigious Golden Bear award at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). This selection, announced thirteen years after Chen’s debut Ilo Ilo captured the Cannes Caméra d’Or, marks a significant moment for the nation’s film industry. We Are All Strangers is one of only two Asian films among the 22 titles vying for the Berlinale’s top honor this year, solidifying Singapore’s presence at one of the globe’s most influential cinematic events.
The film, which makes its world premiere in Berlin between February 12 and 22, 2026, completes Chen’s highly anticipated “Growing Up” trilogy.
Completing the Trilogy: A Deep Dive into Modern Singapore
We Are All Strangers follows the critically acclaimed features Ilo Ilo (2013) and Wet Season (2019). The trilogy documents the intricacies of family life in contemporary Singapore, tracing three years in a family’s journey through struggle, reconciliation, mourning, and ultimately, rediscovering connection.
Chen’s previous two films established him as an international auteur, collectively earning over 50 international accolades, including five wins at the Golden Horse Awards. The success of the trilogy’s first chapters sets a high bar for this concluding installment, underlining the significance of its inclusion in the competitive Berlinale lineup.
The Berlinale competition is historically a crucible for cinematic heavyweights. Past Golden Bear recipients include masters like Taiwanese director Ang Lee (Life of Pi, Brokeback Mountain), animation legend Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli, and American icon Terrence Malick (A Hidden Life). Securing a position in this roster signals the international recognition of Chen’s sophisticated, human-centric storytelling.
Premiere Details and Local Release
The entire principal cast, including esteemed actors Yeo Yann Yann, Koh Jia Ler, Andi Lim, and Regene Lim, will join Chen in Berlin for the world premiere.
While the film receives its international debut in Germany, audiences in Singapore and other global cities will need patience. We Are All Strangers is currently slated for general release only later in 2026. This staggered release strategy is common for films premiering at A-list festivals, capitalizing on early critical buzz before their wider theatrical rollout.
Anthony Chen’s consistent success across major festivals—from Cannes to Berlin—establishes him as a central figure in defining contemporary Singaporean and independent Asian cinema. His work not only provides insightful commentary on the evolving social landscape of his home country but also continues to open pathways for other regional filmmakers onto the world stage.
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