Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen is returning to the Shanghai International Film Festival with a new role as president of the Asian New Talent jury. As he prepares to assess 12 films from first- and second-time filmmakers across Asia, Chen reflects on why Shanghai remains one of his favorite cities in the world.
He shared his admiration for what makes the city stand out among Chinese cities: “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.”
Chen’s connection to Shanghai runs deep, rooted in the city’s distinctive cultural identity. When asked about his favorite spots in the city, he described his appreciation for the French Concession area: “I love walking down the tree-lined streets in the French Concession area, I never get bored of its old-world charm.” The neighborhood’s European atmosphere creates an experience that feels almost displaced from China. “There are moments you might forget and think you’re in Europe,” he noted.
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Beyond the architecture, Chen appreciates the full cultural ecosystem that the French Concession offers. The area’s cafes, galleries, and boutiques reflect the city’s cosmopolitan spirit. “I love the cafes, the galleries, the fashion boutiques, everything.” This unique blend is precisely why Chen accepted the jury president position without hesitation. “That’s why it didn’t take me long to say yes to being jury president for the Asian New Talent section.”
As jury president, Chen will work alongside directors Kamila Andini from Indonesia, Liu Jiayin from China, Farkhat Sharipov from Kazakhstan, and Taiwanese actress Wen Qi to evaluate emerging filmmakers. He recognizes the section’s importance in discovering young Asian talent. “The Asian New Talent section, in particular, is a shining example of Shanghai’s role in discovering young Asian filmmakers.”
The section has already launched luminous careers, including those of notably talented filmmakers. “If you look at the list of filmmakers who came through this section, it’s quite luminous. The late Pema Tseden — whom I miss dearly and admire greatly — Ning Hao, Makoto Shinkai, Tom Lin are just some of the wonderful talents launched at Shanghai.”
Chen’s own career began with festival recognition when his debut Ilo Ilo won the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 2013, launching him into the global film industry. He understands the transformative power these opportunities can have. “I truly believe in the value of film festivals — they’re such important launchpads for young filmmakers.” As he takes on this new role in Shanghai, Chen brings both personal affection for the city and professional commitment to supporting the next generation of Asian filmmakers.
