36th Singapore International Film Festival Announces Line-Up of Female-Led Stories and Global Talent

The 36th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is set to take place from November 26 to December 7, 2025. This year’s festival, part of the Singapore Media Festival hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), will showcase over 120 films from 45 countries, with an emphasis on narratives centered around women, restored classics, and innovative contemporary filmmakers exploring themes of identity and resilience.

Recognizing Women in Cinema

This edition of SGIFF marks a milestone as it honors its first female recipient of the Cinema Honorary Award, Deepa Mehta, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker. Additionally, the Screen Icon Award will be presented to Youn Yuh-jung, the first South Korean actress to receive this honor. Both awardees embody the festival’s theme of bold storytelling and artistic excellence.

Opening Night and Key Events

The festival opens with “Girl”, the debut film directed by international star Shu Qi. The movie, a poetic coming-of-age story set in 1980s Taipei, will feature a red-carpet screening attended by Qi, lead actor Bai Xiao-Ying, and actor-singer 9m88. Additionally, on November 27, an “In Conversation” session with Shu Qi and Rebecca Lim will take place.

Highlighting Local Film Talent

Local filmmakers will showcase more than 30 features and short films, doubling the number of shorts from the previous year. These films will be featured in categories such as the Southeast Asian Short Film Competition and Singapore Panorama, representing the evolving cultural and social landscape of Singapore.

Fostering Global Perspectives

In a nod to diversity within Asian cinema, acclaimed Argentinian director Lucrecia Martel will lead the jury for the Asian Feature Film Competition. Notable films in this section include A Useful Ghost (Thailand), Always (China), Amoeba (Singapore), and Cactus Pears (India).

Showcasing Legendary Films and Filmmakers

The festival’s Landmark section will feature a special tribute to Deepa Mehta, highlighting her acclaimed Elements trilogy: Fire, Earth, and Water, along with Funny Boy (2020). A dialogue session with Mehta is scheduled for December 5 at the National Gallery Singapore.

Additionally, Youn Yuh-jung will be celebrated for her significant contributions to cinema with a special focus on her career spanning five decades, culminating in an insightful dialogue session on December 6.

Rediscovering Female Cinematic Pioneers

This year, the Landmark section will also feature restored classics by pioneering women filmmakers from Asia, including The Arch (1968) by T’ang Shushuen, Gehenu Lamai (1978) by Sumitra Peries, and The Razor’s Edge (1985) by Jocelyne Saab.

Expanding Accessibility to Cinema

SGIFF is collaborating with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth to enhance access to local cinema through initiatives like the SG Culture Pass. The festival will also host Industry Days, offering networking and educational opportunities for regional film professionals.

Ticketing Information

• Early Bird Presales: Start at 12 PM on October 27, 2025
• Public Sales: Begin at 12 PM on October 31, 2025