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Filmmaker Anthony Chen Tackles Socioeconomic Struggles in New Film

2/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Anthony Chen, the filmmaker, "We Are All Strangers" concludes his "growing up" trilogy by following a working-class family in Singapore.
The story shifts from melodrama to crime drama as Junyang and Bee Hwa sell over-the-counter medication online.
It highlights socioeconomic issues, including xenophobia faced by Bee Hwa and the family's mounting debts.
The film premiered at the 2026 Berlin Film Festival and seeks U.S. distribution.

History

Historical Context

Singapore's independence in 1965 marked a pivotal shift as the People's Action Party, led by Lee Kuan Yew, implemented transformative policies that halved poverty within a decade. Today, Anthony Chen's film "We Are All Strangers" highlights ongoing issues of class disparity and xenophobia, reflecting the enduring challenges faced by working-class families in Singapore's diverse society, despite significant socioeconomic progress.

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Story summary

Anthony Chen, the filmmaker, "We Are All Strangers" concludes his "growing up" trilogy by following a working-class family in Singapore.
The story shifts from melodrama to crime drama as Junyang and Bee Hwa sell over-the-counter medication online.
It highlights socioeconomic issues, including xenophobia faced by Bee Hwa and the family's mounting debts.
The film premiered at the 2026 Berlin Film Festival and seeks U.S. distribution.

1 / 2