A Cinematic Journey: "We Are All Strangers" Finds Its Global Audience

International Acclaim and Distribution Success for Singaporean Feature

Anthony Chen's acclaimed feature, "We Are All Strangers," which premiered in competition at the Berlinale, has become a highly sought-after title in the international film market. Paradise City Sales, based in Paris, has been instrumental in securing distribution agreements with various partners across the globe, ensuring the film reaches a diverse audience.

Breaking Barriers: Singapore's Historic Entry into Berlin's Main Competition

The film's participation in the main competition section of the Berlin Film Festival represents a landmark achievement for Singaporean cinema, being the first entry from the nation to reach this prestigious level. The widespread interest in the film is evident from the secured deals, which include prominent distributors such as ARP Selection for France, Curzon for the U.K. and Ireland, Elastica Films for Spain, and many others spanning across the Baltics, Greece, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, and the Middle East and North Africa region. Negotiations for additional territories are currently ongoing.

Completing the Trilogy: A Deep Dive into "Growing Up" Narratives

"We Are All Strangers" serves as the poignant conclusion to Chen's "Growing Up" trilogy, a cinematic series that began with the award-winning "Ilo Ilo" and continued with "Wet Season." Set against the backdrop of contemporary Singapore, the film once again features the talents of Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler, actors who have been central to the trilogy's exploration of familial and societal themes. Paradise City Sales has consistently handled the international representation of Chen's films, which have made their mark at renowned festivals like Cannes, Toronto, Sundance, and Berlin.

Creative Collaboration and Financial Support Behind the Vision

The film is a collaborative effort, with Anthony Chen not only directing but also co-writing the script. The production team includes Teoh Yi Peng, Huang Wenhong, and Chen himself, representing Giraffe Pictures. Executive producers Joe Tsai, Arthur Wang, and KH Kuok also played crucial roles. The project received financial backing from 127 Wall Productions, Jasper Productions, and the Singapore Film Commission, with additional support from the Red Sea Fund and the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund.

Critical Reception: Praising Intimacy and Resonating Performances

Critics have lauded "We Are All Strangers" for its nuanced storytelling and powerful performances. Guy Lodge, reviewing for Variety, described the film as a "gentle, perceptive domestic saga" that skillfully navigates the transition from dreams to survival. Lodge particularly highlighted Yeo Yann Yann's "wonderful performance" as an immigrant character, noting her ability to portray an outsider within both the family unit and society at large.

Distributors' Enthusiasm: A Universal Story of Family and Connection

Louisa Dent, managing director at Curzon, expressed her admiration for Anthony Chen's work and her pleasure in collaborating on this film. She believes "We Are All Strangers" possesses a rare ability to foster deep intimacy with its characters while simultaneously reflecting the spirit of a nation, anticipating a warm reception from audiences in the U.K. and Ireland. Similarly, Enrique Costa, director at Elastica, praised Chen's capacity to craft an "emotionally resonant portrait of the family we are born into and the family we choose," solidifying his position as a distinctive voice in modern cinema.

Paradise City Sales: A Hub for Acclaimed Independent Cinema

In addition to "We Are All Strangers," Paradise City Sales boasts a diverse catalog of acclaimed films. Their current slate includes Moshe Rosenthal's "Tell Me Everything," a contender in Sundance's World Cinema Competition; Warwick Thornton's "Wolfram," which is competing at the Berlinale; and Mees Peijnenburg's "A Family," a film recognized with a Special Mention in the Berlinale Generation section, further showcasing the company's commitment to bringing impactful stories to global audiences.