Anthony Chen’s “We Are All Strangers” Makes History at Berlinale

Anthony Chen’s drama, “We Are All Strangers,” has become the first Singaporean film to be selected for the main competition at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), vying for the coveted Golden Bear award.

A Groundbreaking Achievement

The selection marks a significant milestone for Singaporean cinema, as no film from the nation has previously been included in the Berlinale’s main competition in its 76-year history. “We Are All Strangers” is one of 22 films chosen for the competition, and one of only two representing Asia, alongside Yoshitoshi Shinomiya’s Japanese animation, “A New Dawn.”

The “Growing Up” Trilogy

This film concludes Anthony Chen’s “Growing Up” trilogy, which began with the critically acclaimed “Ilo Ilo” (2013), winner of the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and continued with “Wet Season” (2019), which garnered multiple Golden Horse nominations. Yeo Yann Yann, who won Best Leading Actress at the Golden Horse Awards for “Wet Season,” and Koh Jia Ler, who starred in both “Ilo Ilo” and “Wet Season,” reprise their roles in “We Are All Strangers,” though portraying different characters in each standalone film.

Story and Premiere

The film delves into the life of a widower, Lim, who runs a food stall in Singapore and maintains stable prices despite rising inflation. The narrative unfolds as his son, his son’s pregnant girlfriend, and Lim’s new partner move into his small apartment, creating a sensitive social drama. The Berlinale, running from February 12 to 22, 2026, has previously honored acclaimed filmmakers such as Lee Ang, Hayao Miyazaki, and Terrence Malick with the Golden Bear.

“We Are All Strangers” premiered at the Berlinale on February 16, 2026. The cast, including Yeo Yann Yann, Koh Jia Ler, Andi Lim, and Regene Lim, attended the premiere with Anthony Chen. A wider release in Singapore and other cities is planned for later in 2026.