Lights, Camera, Action
The 37th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is officially entering its main character era. The festival just announced that Bollywood icon Aamir Khan is set to receive the prestigious Screen Icon Award. To celebrate, they’re hosting a special 25th-anniversary screening of his legendary film "Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India," with director Ashutosh Gowariker joining the party.
Opening Night Vibes
The festival kicks off with the South Korean thriller "The Assassin(s)." Director Hur Jin-ho is set to attend the premiere alongside cast members Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, Lee Min-ho, Shim Eun-kyung, and Park Sung-hoon. It’s definitely a W for fans of high-stakes cinema.
More Than Just Movies
Japanese filmmaker Kore-eda Hirokazu will also be honored with the Cinema Honorary Award, the festival’s top prize for his lasting impact on Asian film. The lineup is stacked, featuring over 25 Singaporean productions and co-productions that have already been making waves at major fests like Cannes, Sundance, and Berlin.
SGIFF executive director Jeremy Chua says this year is all about rethinking how we experience film, with a new intuitive ticketing platform and a fresh, free-to-attend section dedicated to the intersection of creativity and tech. Plus, the SGIFF Film Fund is back, with the Tan Ean Kiam Foundation backing grants for both feature documentaries and short films.
Why it matters
With new programs like the "Junior Explorers" for young cinephiles and the industry-focused "Pitching Forum," SGIFF is doubling down on making film education accessible and internationally connected. It’s a massive homecoming for local talent and a must-watch event for anyone obsessed with the future of storytelling.
