About SGIFF

Founded in 1987, the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is the largest and longest-running film event in Singapore. As an illustrious cornerstone in the local arts calendar, the Festival is known for its dynamic programming and focus on groundbreaking Asian cinema for Singapore and the region.

Beyond its annual Festival programme, SGIFF is also dedicated to nurturing and championing local and regional talent through its industry-led SGIFF Pro platform. SGIFF Pro brings together the festival’s various industry initiatives, such as the Asian Producers Network and the SGIFF Industry Days conference event, under one umbrella to meet the evolving and complex demands of the film industry.

The SGIFF is organised by the Singapore International Film Festival Ltd, a non-profit organisation with Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status.

Our Vision

SGIFF celebrates the power of cinema, especially its ability to inform, transform and inspire. We highlight global independent film, with a focus on Southeast Asian films.

Our Mission

To foster a deep appreciation

for cinema in Singapore and the region.

To broaden audience perceptions of cinema

by celebrating independent filmmaking.

To build lasting relationships

between audiences, filmmakers and industry stakeholders.

Milestones

2024

The Cinema Honorary Award returns to SGIFF and is given to Jafar Panahi (Iran).

The inaugural Festival Ambassador is Mediacorp Artiste Rebecca Lim.

SGIFF Film Academy is officially rebranded as SGIFF Pro, a platform that brings together the festival’s various industry initiatives under one umbrella.

This change marks the launch of SGIFF Industry Days, a knowledge-building conference event for film professionals.

Also for the first time, the Audience Choice Award is open only to films made in Singapore or with Singapore co-production.

2021

The inaugural Outstanding Contribution to Southeast Asian Cinema Award is presented to Southeast Asia Fiction Film Lab (SEAFIC).

2020

SGIFF goes hybrid to mitigate challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, offering virtual screenings and live-streams.

2019

On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, SGIFF presents three commissioned short films by Southeast Asian filmmakers, Mouly Surya (Indonesia), Anucha Boonyawatana (Thailand) and Yeo Siew Hua (Singapore).

Launch of SGIFF Film Academy—the region’s first holistic film training initiative for Southeast Asian talents.

2018

Launch of SGIFF Film Fund to support Southeast Asian documentaries and short films.

The inaugural Lesley Ho Asian Film Talent Award is presented to YEO Siew Hua (Singapore).

SGIFF holds its first edition of Moonlight Cinema, an outdoor screening event.

Introduction of the Film Immersion Programme for youths.

2017

Introduction of the Southeast Asian Producers Network.

Ana Urushadze (Georgia) receives the inaugural Inspiring Woman in Film Award presented by Swarovski.

2016

SGIFF commissions its first Singapore short film, The Pursuit of a Happy Human Life by Gladys Ng.

2014

SGIFF commemorates its 25th anniversary with a new logo and opens with local film Unlucky Plaza by Ken Kwek.

The inaugural Honorary Award is presented to Im Kwon-taek (South Korea).

Launch of Southeast Asian Film Lab and Youth Jury & Critics Programme to develop budding filmmakers and critics from the region.

2008

Launch of the Singapore Panorama section to celebrate local films.

1997

Eric Khoo’s 12 Storeys wins the NETPAC-FIPRESCI Critics Prize at the festival, and later becomes the first Singapore-made film to be screened at Cannes Film Festival.

1992

The festival opens with an Asian film for the first time with Raise the Red Lantern by Zhang Yimou (China).

1991

Launch of the Silver Screen Awards to recognise the best of Asian feature films and Singapore short films.

1987

Showcasing the best of international cinema, the very first edition opens with The Name of the Rose by Jean-Jacques Annaud (France).