The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), part of the Singapore Media Festival 2025 hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), kicked off in spectacular fashion at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, with the Singapore premiere of Girl, the highly anticipated directorial debut by international star Shu Qi. The atmosphere was electric as the red carpet came alive with some of the region’s biggest names, marking the start of a twelve-day celebration of film, creativity and culture from 26 November to 7 December 2025.

The night glittered with star power as Shu Qi, lead actor Bai Xiao-Ying and actor-singer 9m88 made their entrance to rousing cheers from fans and photographers. They were joined by Mediacorp Artiste and Festival Ambassador, Rebecca Lim, and Guest of Honour, Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, who officially opened the festival.

Adding to the glamour were familiar faces from Singapore’s screen industry, including Chin Han, Tan Kheng Hua, Lim Kay Tong, Hong Hui Fang, Jack Neo, Qi Yuwu, Yvonne Lim, Tay Ping Hui, Jeanette Aw, Lim Yu Beng, Irene Ang, Nathan Hartono and Benjamin Kheng. Together, they transformed Sands Theatre into a dazzling celebration of cinema.

Rebecca Lim: “I am thrilled that the Singapore International Film Festival is here again. It is my second year involved as ambassador and I am so excited with the line up that we have this year. Response from the public has been very encouraging as well and I am looking forward for Singaporeans to experience beautiful films together. It is going to be a very fulfilling week ahead.”

Record-Breaking Box Office Sales in 2025

This year’s Festival is shaping up to be its most successful yet, on track to achieve the highest box office sales in the festival’s 36-year history. The number of tickets sold has surged by 52 percent compared to the same period last year, with 33 sold-out screenings to date, four times the number in 2024. The record-breaking turnout reflects both the growing passion of audiences for cinema and the festival’s enduring cultural influence.

Much of the buzz has been driven by the arrival of global cinema icon Tony Leung, who will appear at a Special Presentation of the film Silent Friend. Both the screening and his In Conversation With Tony Leung session sold out within ten minutes of release, making them among the hottest tickets in SGIFF history.

Homegrown stories have also captured hearts, with The Old Man and His Car and Sandbox selling out within a single day. Audiences are showing immense pride and enthusiasm for local filmmakers, whose work reflects the depth and diversity of Singapore’s creative landscape.

Japanese titles continue to be festival favourites, with Kokuho, Two Seasons Two Strangers, and Bring Me Down to Portable Size among the fastest-selling international films. Meanwhile, all titles connected to Shu Qi — including Girl and Resurrection — have sold out, underscoring the star’s enduring influence and the incredible momentum surrounding SGIFF 2025.

Bringing together over 120 films from more than 45 countries, this year’s edition shines a light on stories of identity, resilience and rediscovery. It also features over 30 made-in-Singapore productions and co-productions, reaffirming SGIFF’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and stories that resonate across borders.

“This year’s response has been truly overwhelming,” said Jeremy Chua, General Manager of SGIFF. “The energy we’ve seen from audiences emphasises the value of the collective experience of film. It has been a challenging year for the cinema landscape in Singapore, but what we are witnessing through SGIFF is proof that there is demand for cinema. This signals not only SGIFF’s growing stature as a cultural touchstone, but also a renewed appetite for the collective experience of film.”

The festival’s remarkable success this year is also a reflection of the enduring partnerships that continue to shape its journey. Among them, Marina Bay Sands stands out as a key collaborator whose continued support has helped define many of SGIFF’s most memorable moments, reaffirming the integrated resort’s belief in the festival’s ability to celebrate artistry, nurture regional voices and bring global audiences closer to stories that matter.

“We are honoured to support the Singapore International Film Festival 2025 and to host some of its events across Marina Bay Sands,” said Paul Town, Chief Operating Officer of Marina Bay Sands. “Our venues are designed with flexibility and creativity in mind, making them the perfect setting for conversations that celebrate art and film. This year’s collaboration deepens our partnership in both scope and spirit, as we continue to host cornerstone festival moments such as the Opening Film and two “In Conversation With” sessions. Through our ongoing relationship with SGIFF, Marina Bay Sands reaffirms its role as a cultural conduit, a place where art, film and ideas intersect to inspire and connect audiences.”

Get Up Close with Icons of Global Cinema

The excitement continues beyond Opening Night, with a rich line-up of films and experiences that celebrate the best of local, world and regional cinema. Across the festival, audiences can discover thought-provoking features, bold new voices and homegrown stories alongside a rare chance to get up close with some of the most influential figures shaping film today.

This year’s “In Conversation With” series offers unfiltered access to the people whose work has defined generations of cinema, giving audiences an inside look at the artistry, vision and humanity behind the screen.

• In Conversation With Deepa Mehta – An opportunity to hear from the acclaimed filmmaker and recipient of this year’s Cinema Honorary Award as she reflects on her fearless storytelling and the social impact of her films.

• In Conversation With Youn Yuh-jung – Join the Oscar-winning actress and Screen Icon Award recipient for an intimate dialogue about her storied career, craft and the evolution of Asian women in cinema.

• In Conversation With Chin Han – The Hollywood-based Singaporean actor shares insights from his decades-long career and the changing face of Asian representation on screen.

These sessions promise a front-row seat to honest conversations about creativity, identity and the power of storytelling in cinema.

As SGIFF 2025 unfolds, it continues to affirm the power of film to bring people together — to move, inspire and ignite conversations that extend far beyond the screen. From sold-out sessions and screenings to intimate dialogues with cinematic icons, this year’s festival captures the heart of what SGIFF stands for: a celebration of stories that connect cultures, generations and ideas.

With record-breaking audiences and a growing community of filmmakers and fans, SGIFF remains a vital platform where cinema truly comes alive in Singapore.