Anthony Chen Urges Emerging Asian Filmmakers to ‘Break Conventions’ at Shanghai Film Festival

Singaporean director Anthony Chen, chairing the Asian New Talent jury at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, urged emerging Asian filmmakers to "break conventions" on Sunday. Speaking at the second Golden Goblet jury meeting, Chen, whose film "Ilo Ilo" previously won the debut prize, emphasized the importance of originality and pushing boundaries in filmmaking. He shared the jury's criteria for the competition, which includes sections for Short Film, Animation, and Documentary. The festival aims to foster new talent and provide a platform for diverse cinematic voices from across Asia. Chen's remarks highlighted a desire to see more innovative storytelling and a departure from established narrative structures. The Asian New Talent competition specifically seeks to identify and support filmmakers who demonstrate a unique vision and a willingness to experiment with form and content. This year's festival features a broad selection of films, reflecting the growing dynamism of the Asian film industry and its increasing global influence. The jury's deliberations will focus on identifying works that not only resonate with audiences but also contribute to the evolution of cinematic language.