What does it mean to belong?
Not just to a place or a community, but to yourself.
Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Anthony Chen has spent more than a decade telling stories about family, identity and home that have resonated across the world. Yet behind every film lies a quieter journey: one of searching for belonging, purpose, and what it means to remain true to yourself.
In this special episode of the Clean Your Toilet Podcast, Hun Ming Kwang sits down with Anthony Chen—writer, director and producer behind Ilo Ilo, Wet Season, Drift, The Breaking Ice, and his latest film, We Are All Strangers.
The conversation unfolds into a deep one as Anthony reflects on why he has always felt like an outsider, even in the place he calls home, and how that search for belonging has quietly shaped every film he has made. Together, they explore whether greatness can be taught, why life is our greatest teacher, and the experiences that transform technical skill into wisdom.
Anthony also shares the deeply personal story behind choosing filmmaking at fifteen despite criticism from relatives, the unwavering support of his mother, the existential crisis he faced in his forties, and why his wife and son have become the quiet foundation behind everything he creates.
More importantly, they dive into what it means to build a life that remains true to who you are, even when the world doesn't quite understand it.
Together, they explore the key themes:
- Why Anthony has always felt like an outsider, even in Singapore.
- Whether greatness can truly be taught.
- The three qualities every exceptional filmmaker needs.
- Why life's hardest moments become our greatest teachers.
- The role of family in shaping who we become.
- The courage to pursue an unconventional path despite criticism.
- How trust, honesty, and human understanding underpin great storytelling.
- The existential doubts that came with turning forty.
- What keeps him creating after more than a decade of international success.
If you've ever...
* questioned where you truly belong,
* wondered whether you're living someone else's definition of success,
* struggled with self-doubt despite years of achievement,
* or felt caught between ambition, family and purpose...
we hope this conversation reminds you that becoming isn't about finding the perfect path.
It's about having the courage to keep walking your own.
🎙️ About the Podcast
The Clean Your Toilet Podcast explores the inner work behind mastery, leadership, creativity and building a meaningful life through honest, unfiltered conversations.
If this conversation resonated with you, we'd love to hear from you.
Have you ever felt like an outsider, even in a place you called home?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
And if you know someone who is quietly pursuing something meaningful despite the doubts around them, send them this conversation.
Sometimes, one honest conversation changes how we see ourselves.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Meet Anthony Chen
02:18 We Are All Strangers & The Growing Up Trilogy
07:26 The Philosophy Behind His Films
11:35 Why Family Keeps Appearing In His Stories
14:37 The Outsider Who Never Felt He Belonged
23:39 Belonging, Identity & Human Development
30:04 Why Trust Matters More Than Talent
52:44 Can Greatness Be Taught?
55:38 Why Life Is The Greatest Teacher
59:39 Choosing Filmmaking At Fifteen
1:03:14 Love, Sacrifice & Fatherhood
1:15:43 His Son Became His Greatest Inspiration
1:23:09 Turning Forty & Questioning Everything
1:27:28 One Final Reflection
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