36th Singapore International Film Festival Opens With Shu Qi's Directorial Debut "GIRL"

The 36th edition of the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) commenced on a historic note, marking its most successful opening in history with the selection of international star Shu Qi's debut feature as director. The festival's launch took place on November 26 at the Sands Theatre, located within the Marina Bay Sands complex.

The opening film was Shu Qi’s Girl, a semi-autobiographical drama set in Taipei during the 1980s. The esteemed director was present for the occasion, joined by the film’s lead actor, Bai Xiao-Ying, and actor-singer 9m88. They were accompanied by SGIFF festival ambassador Rebecca Lim and the guest of honor, Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information.

The surge in audience enthusiasm was immediately quantifiable, with ticket sales jumping 52% compared to the same period in the previous year. The festival has already recorded 33 sold-out screenings, a number four times greater than the 2024 edition. These figures place the SGIFF on track to achieve the highest box office sales in its 36-year history.

Much of the substantial buzz surrounding the festival was generated by the appearance of Hong Kong cinema icon Tony Leung. A special presentation of his film Silent Friend, along with the companion event, "In Conversation With Tony Leung," became some of the hottest tickets in SGIFF history, selling out completely within ten minutes of their release.

Interest in local productions was equally robust. Singaporean films The Old Man and His Car and Sandbox sold out within a single day. Among the fastest-selling international titles were the Japanese films Kokuho, Two Seasons Two Strangers, and Bring Me Down to Portable Size. Furthermore, every title connected to Shu Qi, including her film Girl and the retrospective screening of Resurrection, was sold out.

Jeremy Chua, the General Manager of SGIFF, commented on the success, stating that the response this year has been "truly overwhelming." He emphasized that the energy witnessed from the audiences "emphasizes the value of the collective experience of film." Chua acknowledged it has been a challenging year for the cinema landscape in Singapore, but asserted that the turnout at SGIFF serves as "proof that there is demand for cinema."

The festival is scheduled to run through December 7, showcasing over 120 films sourced from more than 45 countries. The robust lineup includes over 30 productions and co-productions made in Singapore, with the programming centered on overarching themes of identity, resilience, and rediscovery.

This year’s "In Conversation With" series also features several other distinguished guests: filmmaker Deepa Mehta, who is the recipient of the Cinema Honorary Award; Oscar-winning actor Youn Yuh-jung, who is being honored with the Screen Icon Award; and Hollywood-based Singaporean actor Chin Han. The Marina Bay Sands complex continues its partnership with the festival, providing the venue for the opening film and two of the "In Conversation With" sessions. Paul Town, Chief Operating Officer of Marina Bay Sands, affirmed that the resort's venues offer an ideal setting for celebrating art and film.

Shu Qi, who is a frequent collaborator with Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien, took up filmmaking at his personal suggestion. Her debut feature, Girl, premiered at the Venice Film Festival and subsequently earned her the Best Director award at the Busan International Film Festival. The narrative follows 10-year-old Hsiao-lee in 1980s Taipei as she navigates domestic dysfunction while cultivating a significant friendship with a precocious transfer student. As an actor, Shu Qi has appeared in over 90 films, notably including three collaborations with Hou: The Assassin, Millennium Mambo, and Three Times. Her accolades include two Golden Horse Awards and three Hong Kong Film Awards.

The opening night red carpet was attended by a prominent collection of figures from Singapore’s entertainment 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. The Singapore International Film Festival operates as a component of the Singapore Media Festival 2025, which is hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority.