Aamir Khan Honored, Hur Jin-ho's Film to Open Singapore Film Festival
Entertainment

Aamir Khan Honored, Hur Jin-ho's Film to Open Singapore Film Festival

authorBy Stephen King
DateSep 25, 2026
Read Time4 min
The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is set to host its 37th edition, featuring a rich program that spans from honoring cinematic legends to showcasing the latest works from emerging talents across Asia. This year's festival promises an immersive experience with diverse film screenings, industry insights, and unique interactive events, solidifying its role as a key platform for celebrating and advancing Asian cinema.

Celebrating Cinematic Excellence and Future Visions at SGIFF

Aamir Khan's Esteemed Recognition and "Lagaan" Anniversary

Indian cinema luminary Aamir Khan is slated to receive the prestigious Screen Icon Award at the 37th Singapore International Film Festival. This accolade will be accompanied by a special 25th-anniversary presentation of his iconic film, "Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India," where he will be joined by director Ashutosh Gowariker, offering audiences a rare opportunity to revisit this cinematic masterpiece.

Festival Premiere: Hur Jin-ho's Thriller "The Assassin(s)"

The festival is scheduled to open with the compelling South Korean thriller "The Assassin(s)," helmed by acclaimed director Hur Jin-ho. The premiere will see Hur and prominent cast members Shim Eun-kyung and Park Sung-hoon in attendance, adding to the excitement surrounding the film's debut.

Honoring Asian Cinema: Kore-eda Hirokazu's Enduring Legacy

In a previously announced tribute to his significant contributions to Asian cinema, Japanese filmmaker Kore-eda Hirokazu will be bestowed with SGIFF's Cinema Honorary Award, the festival's highest honor. His latest work, "Look Back," will also be screened as part of the festival program, further cementing his esteemed presence.

Executive Director Jeremy Chua on SGIFF's Evolving Vision

Jeremy Chua, the executive director of SGIFF, emphasized the festival's commitment to presenting groundbreaking works and revered figures from across Asia. He highlighted the festival's innovative approach to audience engagement, which includes intuitive ticketing platforms, an expanded industry program for professionals, and a new segment dedicated to exploring the intersection of creativity and technology in storytelling.

Engaging Dialogues and Industry Participation at SGIFF

The festival's "In Conversation With" series will feature insightful discussions with notable personalities such as actress Shim Eun-kyung, filmmaker Peter Chan Ho-sun, and Hong Kong actor Anthony Wong, who will engage in a post-screening dialogue for his film "My Name Ain't Suzie." The Asian Feature Film Competition will be chaired by Korean New Wave director Yim Soon-rye, alongside other esteemed participants like Fukada Koji, Ashizawa Akiko, Tom Harari, and Jacob Cheung.

Spotlighting Singapore's Flourishing Film Landscape

This year's lineup proudly showcases over 25 Singaporean productions and co-productions, many of which have garnered international acclaim at prestigious festivals worldwide. Notable achievements include Ong Xuan Jing's Best Actress award at the Hong Kong International Film Festival and Ang Geck Geck's Youth Jury Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, underscoring the vibrant and diverse talent emerging from Singapore.

Program Director Thong Kay Wee on Local Success and Global Recognition

Thong Kay Wee, SGIFF program director, celebrated the global recognition achieved by Singapore's film industry. He noted that many featured filmmakers began their journeys with mentorships through SGIFF, making this year's screenings a meaningful "homecoming" that highlights the strong ecosystem supporting local talent.

Reinstatement of the SGIFF Film Fund and New Grants

Following a period of inactivity, the SGIFF Film Fund is being reactivated. The Tan Ean Kiam Foundation will now extend its support to the Southeast Asian Short Film Grant, alongside the existing Southeast Asian Documentary Grant. Both initiatives, now under the Tan Ean Kiam Foundation-SGIFF banner, aim to nurture feature documentaries in their final stages and empower emerging short film directors from Southeast Asia. The grant applications will open from November 5 to December 5.

Innovative Festival Sections and Industry Development

SGIFF is introducing a "Junior Explorers" section with sensory-friendly screenings for young audiences, commencing with the stop-motion film "Brave Cat." The "Undercurrent" section will feature three live performances, blending traditional puppetry, live video gaming, and analog film with music. SGIFF Pro, the festival's industry arm, will launch three new programs: Parallax, focusing on filmmaking and immersive technology; Off Campus, connecting students with industry opportunities; and the Pitching Forum, fostering co-productions between Singapore and international partners.

Festival Dates and Support

The Singapore International Film Festival, supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), will take place from October 21 to November 1.

More Articles
Entertainment
Leland's Creative Sanctuary: A Hollywood Studio Driving Pop Hits
Dive into the world of Leland, the acclaimed music producer, as he unveils his intimate home studio in Studio City. This article explores how his unique workspace fosters creativity, leading to collaborations with pop stars like Troye Sivan, Charli XCX, and Rebecca Black, and becoming a hub for birthing numerous chart-topping tracks. Discover his daily rituals, the evolution of his studio, and his passion for empowering diverse voices in music.
By Roger EbertSep 25, 2026
Entertainment
Dakota Johnson Discusses Her Role in Taylor Swift's New Music Video and Their Creative Collaboration
Dakota Johnson has opened up about her appearance in Taylor Swift's upcoming 'Patient Zero' music video, set to premiere at the MTV VMAs. Johnson expressed her enthusiasm for working alongside her long-time friend, emphasizing their mutual respect and the joy of their collaborative process. She highlighted that their friendship makes their professional collaborations seamless and enjoyable, celebrating the fun and creative synergy they share.
By Stephen KingSep 25, 2026
Entertainment
Dissecting Disney's Leadership Saga: Insights from Chapek's Memoir
Bob Chapek's new book, 'Behind the Castle Walls,' offers a candid look into his tumultuous tenure as Disney CEO and his contentious relationship with predecessor Bob Iger. The memoir details Chapek's perspective on his ousting, Iger's alleged machinations, and key company decisions, including the 'Don't Say Gay' controversy and park pricing strategies. This account provides a unique, albeit biased, view of the power dynamics and challenges at the helm of the entertainment giant.
By Ta-Nehisi CoatesSep 25, 2026
Entertainment
Women of Power: Celebrating Achievements in Entertainment and Philanthropy
The annual Variety Power of Women event recently gathered influential figures from entertainment and various industries at the Beverly Hills Hotel. This prestigious evening not only honored the philanthropic contributions of notable women like Jennifer Hudson and Sharon Stone but also highlighted the achievements of many others featured in Variety's Women's Impact Report. The event served as a platform for industry leaders and stars to connect and champion female empowerment.
By Ta-Nehisi CoatesSep 24, 2026
Entertainment
U.S. Film Incentive Bill Gains Momentum for Year-End Passage
Advocates for a federal film incentive are intensifying efforts to pass the legislation by year-end, aiming to capitalize on current political support before potential shifts in Congress. The bipartisan bill proposes a 20-30% federal incentive, enhancing existing state benefits and aiming to revitalize Hollywood production. Lawmakers are optimistic about its inclusion in an upcoming tax bill, despite the House being out of session until after the November election.
By Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieSep 24, 2026