The countdown to Singapore’s biggest film event is on. The 37th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), returns from 21 October to 1 November 2026, and it is shaping up to be one of the most extensive editions yet, headlined by some of cinema’s most beloved storytellers.
Hirokazu Kore-eda honoured with the Cinema Honorary Award
This year, SGIFF will honour acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda with its Cinema Honorary Award, the festival’s highest accolade, recognising filmmakers who have made exceptional and enduring contributions to Asian cinema. Kore-eda is known for his deeply human family dramas, from Nobody Knows and Like Father, Like Son to Monster, while his 2018 film Shoplifters won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, the first Japanese film to do so in more than two decades.
Look Back gets its Southeast Asia premiere
Kore-eda will attend a Special Presentation of his latest film, Look Back, on 24 October, marking the film’s Southeast Asia premiere ahead of its theatrical release on 29 October. He will also take part in an In Conversation With dialogue session the same day, where he will receive the Cinema Honorary Award. Look Back is the very first live-action feature adaptation of any manga by acclaimed creator Tatsuki Fujimoto.
Yim Soon-rye heads the Asian Feature Film Competition
Leading Korean New Wave filmmaker Yim Soon-rye will serve as Jury Head of this year’s Asian Feature Film Competition, SGIFF’s platform for bold cinematic voices from across Asia. Known for Three Friends, Waikiki Brothers, Forever the Moment and Little Forest, Yim will also speak at SGIFF Industry Days on 27 October, sharing insights into her creative process.
SGIFF Pro expands its industry platform
Beyond the screenings, SGIFF is expanding SGIFF Pro, its industry and talent development platform, with Industry Days growing from three days to four. New programmes include Off Campus, a guided four-day field trip for film-school students; a Pitching Forum connecting international projects with decision makers; and Parallax, a free-to-attend sidebar exploring the convergence of filmmaking, AI and immersive technology.
The full festival line-up, attending guests and workshops will be announced from 24 September, so watch this space. For more information, visit sgiff.com. In the meantime, browse our picks of things to do this weekend, the teamLab Infinite Existence experience, and the Dan Costa piano recital.
