A New Chapter for Asian Cinema: SGIFF Announces Star-Studded 37th Edition

The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), Southeast Asia’s premier cinematic event, has officially unveiled the centerpiece of its 37th edition, setting a high bar for cultural discourse and artistic celebration. Running from October 21 to November 1, this year’s festival promises to be a watershed moment for the region’s film industry, highlighted by the honoring of Japanese auteur Kore-eda Hirokazu and the appointment of South Korean visionary Yim Soon-rye as the head of the Asian Feature Film Competition jury.

With a legacy dating back to 1987, SGIFF has long served as a vital bridge between global cinema and the burgeoning talent of the Asia-Pacific. This year’s expansion of its industry arm, SGIFF Pro, signals a bold shift toward professional development, technological integration, and international co-production, positioning Singapore as a central nexus for the future of filmmaking.

The Laureate: Honoring Kore-eda Hirokazu

The festival’s most prestigious accolade, the Cinema Honorary Award, will be bestowed upon Kore-eda Hirokazu. Reserved for filmmakers whose work has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of Asian cinema, the award recognizes a career defined by profound humanism and technical mastery.

Kore-eda’s filmography is widely regarded as a masterclass in the exploration of the "family unit"—not merely as a biological structure, but as a complex nexus of social friction, moral dilemma, and quiet intimacy. His ascent to global prominence was solidified in 2018 with the Palme d’Or win for Shoplifters, a film that shattered barriers by becoming the first Japanese production to claim the top prize at Cannes in over two decades. His momentum has continued unabated, with subsequent international successes such as Broker and Monster garnering both critical acclaim and box-office resonance. These works, alongside earlier seminal films like Nobody Knows and Like Father, Like Son, have cemented his reputation as an empathetic observer of the human condition.

On October 24, SGIFF will host a special presentation of Look Back, a film that serves as a testament to the versatility of contemporary Japanese storytelling. The film, which competed for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, is the first live-action feature adaptation of a manga by Fujimoto Tatsuki. It tells a poignant story of two elementary school cartoonists—Fujino and Kyomoto—whose artistic rivalry evolves into a deep-seated friendship, only to be tested by the harsh realities of professional pursuit. Following the screening, Kore-eda will participate in an "In Conversation With" session, offering attendees a rare, intimate look into his creative process.

Juror Spotlight: Yim Soon-rye’s Guiding Vision

As Kore-eda receives the festival’s highest honor, the critical integrity of the Asian Feature Film Competition will be steered by South Korean director Yim Soon-rye. A filmmaker whose career has been characterized by both artistic rigor and social advocacy, Yim brings a wealth of experience to the jury.

An alumna of the University of Paris 8, Yim made her debut in 1996 with Three Friends. Over the ensuing decades, she has proven herself to be a versatile and socially conscious storyteller. Her filmography includes the acclaimed Waikiki Brothers, the commercial juggernaut Forever the Moment, and recent works like The Whistleblower, Little Forest, and The Point Men. Beyond her directorial achievements, Yim is a distinguished voice in the industry, having served as the president of an animal rights association for 12 years and as a co-leader of the Korean Center for Gender Equality in Film. Her presence at the festival extends beyond the jury room; she is scheduled to address delegates during the SGIFF Industry Days on October 27, where she will share insights into the intersection of art and social responsibility.

Industry Evolution: The Growth of SGIFF Pro

The 37th edition marks a significant scaling of SGIFF Pro, the festival’s industry arm, which has expanded its programming from three to four days. This strategic growth aims to transform the festival into a year-round engine for regional talent development.

The expanded Industry Days will feature a robust lineup of speakers, including renowned cinematographer Ashizawa Akiko. A recipient of the 2026 Pierre Angénieux Tribute at the Cannes Film Festival, Ashizawa’s involvement underscores the festival’s commitment to technical excellence. Additionally, the festival will spotlight filmmaker Fukada Koji, whose latest co-production with Singapore, Nagi Notes, is set to screen in the festival’s Horizon section, further highlighting the efficacy of international creative partnerships.

New Pillars of Development

SGIFF Pro has introduced several new initiatives to solidify its position as an industry hub:

1. Off Campus: A four-day intensive field trip program that pairs film school students with industry professionals, providing a bridge between academic study and the realities of the film market.
2. The Pitching Forum: A platform designed to connect international projects with decision-makers and regional co-production partners. By fostering these connections, SGIFF aims to establish Singapore as the primary hub for co-productions in the region.
3. Parallax: A free, interdisciplinary sidebar that tackles the most pressing questions in modern cinema: the convergence of AI, immersive technology, and traditional storytelling. With participants ranging from Amazon MGM Studios and SM Entertainment to Adobe, Largo.ai, and Ubac Studio, this program explores how emerging technologies are reshaping the industry’s aesthetic and commercial potential.

Implications for the Future of Asian Cinema

The 37th SGIFF is not merely a showcase of completed works; it is a declaration of intent. By balancing the traditional veneration of masters like Kore-eda with an aggressive, forward-looking approach to industry infrastructure, the festival is addressing the primary challenge facing Asian cinema today: the need for a sustainable, collaborative, and technologically literate ecosystem.

The focus on co-production, particularly through the Pitching Forum, addresses the financial fragmentation that has historically hindered regional films from reaching wider global audiences. Similarly, the inclusion of AI-focused programming in Parallax signals a proactive approach to a debate that is currently polarizing the global film community. By inviting major studios and tech firms to the table, SGIFF is positioning itself as a place where the rules of the future are written, rather than merely observed.

A Legacy Sustained

Founded in 1987 and organized by Singapore International Film Festival Ltd., the event remains a nonprofit entity, supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). This institutional backing ensures that the festival can prioritize cultural impact over purely commercial interests, allowing it to maintain the prestige necessary to attract world-class talent like Kore-eda and Yim.

As the festival prepares to open its doors this October, the message is clear: Singapore is no longer just a destination for film exhibition, but a core participant in the creation of the next generation of Asian cinematic history. With its blend of retrospectives, competitive rigor, and cutting-edge industry training, the 37th SGIFF stands ready to influence the creative trajectories of filmmakers from Seoul to Singapore and beyond. Whether through the lens of a veteran director or the innovative software of a tech startup, the stories told at this year’s festival will undoubtedly define the conversation for years to come.