Anthony Chen’s We Are All Strangers (我们不是陌生人) Returns Home with Month Long Singapore Celebration This August

Anthony Chen’s latest feature, We Are All Strangers (我们不是陌生人), will finally make its homecoming when it opens in Singapore cinemas on 20 August 2026. Following acclaimed screenings at international film festivals including Berlin, Hong Kong, Italy, Sydney, Vietnam and Shanghai, the film returns to local audiences with a month long programme of screenings, fan events and community activities that celebrate both Singapore cinema and the nation’s National Day season.

Supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the release marks the conclusion of Anthony Chen’s acclaimed Growing Up Trilogy, which began with the award winning Ilo Ilo in 2013 before continuing with Wet Season in 2019.

To commemorate the occasion, Giraffe Pictures has partnered various organisations to organise a series of events throughout August, giving audiences multiple opportunities to revisit Chen’s earlier works while experiencing the final chapter of the trilogy.

The celebrations begin with a Gala Premiere on 7 August at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands. Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will attend as Guest of Honour, alongside Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo. The premiere sets the stage for a month of activities leading up to the nationwide release of the film.

Audiences can revisit Ilo Ilo and Wet Season during two weekends of retrospective screenings on 8 and 9 August, as well as 15 and 16 August, at selected Golden Village cinemas. Both films are eligible under Singapore’s Culture Pass initiative, making them more accessible for local moviegoers looking to revisit Chen’s earlier works before watching the trilogy’s conclusion.

Golden Village will also host a special Reel Talk preview screening of We Are All Strangers on 14 August at Golden Village Suntec City. The event includes a post screening discussion with Anthony Chen and members of the cast. Tickets are priced at S$18 for the public and S$16 for Golden Village members.

Filmhouse will present an exclusive Growing Up Trilogy Marathon across 15 and 16 August, allowing fans to experience all three films together. Besides the screenings, visitors can explore a dedicated exhibition, purchase limited edition merchandise and attend question and answer sessions with Chen and members of the cast, including Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler. Fans who attend all three films will also have the opportunity to collect signed film posters.

Beyond the cinema, the promotional campaign extends into the heartlands. On 21 August, fans can meet the cast at the S11 coffeeshop in Ang Mo Kio, one of the film’s iconic local settings. Organised with Tiger Beer, the community event features karaoke sessions, interactive games and opportunities for audiences to interact with the cast in a familiar neighbourhood environment.

The following day offers two more opportunities for fans to engage with the film. During the afternoon, Bund & Toss at 111 Somerset will host an intimate panel discussion in Mandarin featuring Anthony Chen and several cast members. Hosted by Wang Yanqing, the session promises behind the scenes stories, conversations about the characters and discussions on Singaporean family life through the lens of food and culture. Each ticket includes complimentary snacks and drinks.

The celebrations continue into the evening with Strangers No More: A Karaoke Night with Filmhouse x Tiger Beer. Held after the evening screening at Filmhouse, the event invites audiences to sing alongside the cast and filmmakers, inspired by the karaoke scenes featured in the film. Ticket holders will also enjoy one for one Tiger Beer promotions from 10pm onwards.

We Are All Strangers serves as the concluding chapter of Anthony Chen’s cinematic exploration of Singapore across different eras. While Ilo Ilo examined family life during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and Wet Season explored loneliness and emotional isolation, the new film turns its attention to present day Singapore. Set against preparations for the nation’s 60th birthday, it follows the lives of ordinary Singaporeans navigating gig work, social media culture and changing family dynamics.

At the centre of the story are 21 year old Junyang, played by Koh Jia Ler, his father Boon Kiat, portrayed by Andi Lim, Junyang’s girlfriend Lydia, played by Regene Lim, and Bee Hwa, portrayed by Yeo Yann Yann, whose arrival changes the family’s relationships.

Reflecting on the film, Chen described it as “a deeply personal love letter to Singapore and its people”, expressing hope that audiences will recognise the shared identity, resilience and humanity captured in the story. Having received strong recognition overseas, including becoming the first Singaporean film selected to compete for the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, the director believes bringing the film home is its most meaningful milestone.

Distributed by Golden Village Pictures and Giraffe Pictures, We Are All Strangers opens in cinemas islandwide on 20 August 2026.