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 & Objective
To foster a deep appreciation for cinema in Singapore (film literacy)
– Grow awareness for stories and experiences from around the world
– Advocate cinema as an art form that informs, transforms and inspires
Expand audience’s vision of what cinema is
– Challenge audiences with films and film-watching experiences
– Celebrate the independent spirit of the films
Build relationships between audience and filmmakers
– Allow audience to witness growth of filmmakers
– Helping hand to emerging talents of these films
Milestone
2022
SGIFF returns to a full in-person event, featuring Assault by Kazakh director Adilkhan YERZHANOV for the Festival Opening, a first for a Central Asian film. The edition features a special Double-Bill Fundraiser with the screening of Baby Queen by LEI Yuan Bin (Singapore) and a live drag performance by Opera Tang and her fellow Queens.
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
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).