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

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).