The vOilah! French Film Festival has opened in Singapore for its 42nd edition, bringing 34 French films to local audiences from 12 to 29 November 2026.
Organised by the Embassy of France in Singapore and co-presented by Alliance Française de Singapour, Shaw Organisation and Filmhouse, this year’s festival features a diverse selection of films spanning history, romance, animation, comedy and social issues.
We attended the festival’s opening activities and had the opportunity to catch part of De Gaulle I: Tilting Iron, one of the key films featured in this year’s programme. The experience offered an interesting perspective on the Second World War, particularly through the lens of French history.
We were greeted by a surprise VIP guest at the screening, the current French Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Gérald Darmanin, who gave a welcome address after arriving direct from the airport.
While much of the popular understanding of World War II tends to focus on familiar accounts of the conflict, the film explores the experiences of France during this turbulent period, particularly through the story of Charles de Gaulle and his emergence as a central figure in the French Resistance.
The historical drama provides a glimpse into the difficult circumstances, leadership challenges and decisions that shaped France’s future during the war. It was an interesting reminder that major historical events can be understood from different national perspectives, with each country having its own experiences and stories to tell.
De Gaulle I: Tilting Iron is the first instalment of a two-part cinematic portrait, followed by De Gaulle II: The Sovereign Edge. The first film was also selected for the Out of Competition programme at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. Having watched part of the first instalment, we are looking forward to catching the complete film and seeing how the story continues in the second part.
Beyond its historical offerings, the festival features several other notable productions. These include The Phantom of the Opera, a romantic fantasy set within Paris’ famous Palais Garnier, and The Electric Kiss, which opened the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. Audiences can also look forward to Les Misérables, Women on Trial, Violette and Persepolis.
For families, the programme includes nearly 10 family-friendly films, including Asterix: The Kingdom of Nubia, Pets on a Train and Mune: Guardian of the Moon.
This year’s festival also places emphasis on making French cinema more accessible to audiences across Singapore. In partnership with the People’s Association, 20 screenings will take place across 10 community clubs and Integrated Community Hubs. There will also be an open-air screening at Palawan Beach through the festival’s continued collaboration with Sentosa’s Movies by the Beach.
New partnerships with the National Library and Archives Board and Serangoon Garden Country Club will further extend the festival’s reach into community spaces.
The 2026 edition will also welcome several French filmmakers to Singapore, including acclaimed director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, known for Amélie, alongside Julien Chheng, Alexandre Castagnetti and David Foenkinos. Selected screenings will include post-screening question-and-answer sessions, giving audiences opportunities to hear directly from the filmmakers.
Standard tickets are priced at S$16, with preferential rates of S$11 for students and senior citizens, and S$14.50 for Alliance Française and Singapore Film Society members.
The vOilah! French Film Festival 2026 runs until 29 November at Shaw Theatres, Alliance Française de Singapour, Filmhouse and participating community venues.
For the full programme, screening schedules and ticket bookings, visit www.voilah.sg.
