Get ready for a grand celebration of culture, creativity, and collaboration—the vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2025. Running from 23 April to 8 June 2025, this year’s festival marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between France and Singapore, bringing an exciting line-up of artistic and cultural experiences that showcase the deep ties between the two nations.
Presented by the Embassy of France in Singapore, vOilah! 2025 features over 20 dynamic programmes spanning visual arts, performing arts, music, cinema, and literature. Through French-Singaporean collaborations, the festival offers fresh perspectives on culture while celebrating shared histories and contemporary influences.
A Cultural Bridge Between France & Singapore
Since Singapore’s independence, its relationship with France has been one of mutual inspiration and exchange. This year’s festival explores how these connections have shaped both nations, with a diverse selection of exhibitions, performances, and cinematic experiences that blend French tradition with Singaporean innovation.
Visual Arts: A Fusion of Perspectives
A major highlight of vOilah! 2025 is the groundbreaking exhibition City of Others: Asian Artists in Paris, 1920s–1940s, held at National Gallery Singapore. This first-of-its-kind showcase presents over 200 artworks and archival materials, shedding light on the influence of Asian artists in interwar Paris and their impact on modern art.
Two other exhibitions offer intimate cross-cultural perspectives:
Two Rivers by Singaporean photographer Melisa Teo explores the poetic connections between the Seine in Paris and the Singapore River. Debuting at Anderson Bridge (a first for the venue), the exhibition moves to VivoCity Waterfront Promenade in June.
CITY SingaPOP by French photographer Nicolas Damiens captures Singapore’s iconic landmarks in vivid colors and bold compositions, highlighting the nation’s perpetual summer. Hosted at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, this series reflects Nicolas’ experience as a French artist in Singapore.
Another must-see is A Celebration of Wifredo Lam’s Print Works, the first major solo showcase of the Cuban-French artist in Singapore, ahead of its retrospective at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York later in the year.
Performing Arts & Music: A Stage for Collaboration
This year’s festival also celebrates the magic of music and performance, bringing together French and Singaporean talents in unique collaborations:
- A French Kiss in Singapore – A tribute to legendary French musicians, this musical revue by Sing’theatre features Hossan Leong, Andrew Marko, Dwayne Lau, Amin Alifin, and Rino Junior John, performing English renditions of classics like Seasons in the Sun (Le Moribond) and Somewhere Beyond the Sea (La Mer).
- Carmen by Singapore Lyric Opera – To celebrate its 35th anniversary, the Singapore Lyric Opera presents a reimagined version of Bizet’s iconic opera, featuring three acclaimed French opera singers and set against the backdrop of Singapore’s golden era.
- Médée – In a spectacular collaboration, Singapore’s Red Dot Baroque, French ensemble Les Épopées, and The Opera People breathe new life into Charpentier’s opera, merging French and Singaporean musical traditions.
- Les Arts in Nature at Gardens by the Bay – This free outdoor concert brings the enchanting melodies of 17th- and 18th-century France to one of Singapore’s most scenic locations. Featuring Les Épopées, festival-goers will be transported to the world of Marais, Couperin, and Charpentier.
- We Will Drum You by Fills Monkey – Closing the festival on a high note, this 90-minute family-friendly drumming spectacle at the Esplanade is packed with music, comedy, and high-energy percussion.
Cinema: A Celebration of French Film
The French Film Festival at vOilah! 2025 offers an immersive cinematic journey, featuring stories that explore themes of nature, adventure, and heritage:
- Autumn and the Black Jaguar – This visually stunning documentary by Gilles de Maistre takes audiences on an Amazonian adventure, exploring environmental challenges facing wildlife today.
- Movies by the Beach at Sentosa – Families can enjoy a special beachfront screening of the animated hit Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, bringing the magic of French animation to Singapore.
- Bambi: A Tale of Life in the Woods – A French adaptation of Felix Salten’s classic, this film will represent France at the European Union Film Festival.
vOilah! 2025: A Festival of Innovation, Heritage & Creativity
With its diverse mix of art, music, cinema, and performances, the vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2025 is a testament to the deep friendship and cultural exchange between France and Singapore. Whether you’re an art lover, music enthusiast, or film buff, this festival is an unmissable celebration of creativity and collaboration.
- Festival Dates: 23 April – 8 June 2025
- More Info & Tickets: Visit here
