Singapore International Film Festival 2025: 36th Edition Celebrates Local Stories and Creative Resilience

The spotlight turns once again to cinema that inspires, challenges, and unites as the 36th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) returns from 26 November to 7 December 2025. A key part of the Singapore Media Festival 2025 hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), this year’s festival champions homegrown voices while navigating a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.

A Festival Rooted in Stories That Endure

For over three decades, SGIFF has served as a cultural anchor for Singapore and the region, a space where stories continue to be told, communities continue to gather, and art continues to thrive.

The 2025 edition deepens its commitment to local storytelling with more than 30 feature and short films by Singaporean filmmakers and co-productions. The festival has also doubled its local short film selection to 28 works, presented across the Southeast Asian Short Film Competition and Singapore Panorama, a showcase of powerful narratives reflecting today’s social and cultural shifts.

Singapore Stories Take Centre Stage

More than 110 films from over 45 countries will be featured this year, anchored by Singapore premieres and world debuts that spotlight resilience, creativity, and community spirit:

• Sandbox – A heartfelt comedy starring Benjamin Kheng, Nathan Hartono and Oon Shu An about a struggling stunt training school.
• At Home with Work – A poignant documentary exploring the lives of Singaporeans running home-based businesses.
• Cendol – Directed by actor Qi Yuwu and starring Sharon Au, this short film reflects on identity, family, and belonging.
• Coda – An intimate portrait of the Victoria Chorale alumni choir as 42 singers reunite under conductor Nelson Kwei to compete internationally.
• 10s Across the Borders – Directed by Chan Sze-Wei, this documentary celebrates the artistry and resilience of Southeast Asia’s ballroom community.

Opening the Singapore Panorama section is The Old Man and His Car, starring veteran actors Lim Kay Tong and Richard Low. The film, which will have its world premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival, offers a tender portrayal of connection and loss.

Audiences can also experience a rare cinematic treasure: a 1970s adaptation of Dream of the Red Chamber, set in Singapore and restored in collaboration with the Asian Film Archive.

Building the Future of Regional Storytelling

Beyond showcasing films, SGIFF plays a crucial role in enabling their creation through the SGIFF Film Fund, which supports Singaporean and regional filmmakers from script to screen.

This year’s edition will also feature public forums and discussions on changing audience habits, the future of independent filmmaking, and the role of cinema in an evolving media landscape.

Full programme and ticketing details will be released at 12 PM on 24 October 2025.