SGIFF 2026 Opens with Korean Thriller, Honors Aamir Khan

The 37th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) opens on October 21, 2026 with the South Korean thriller 'The Assassin(s)' and will honour Indian actor Aamir Khan with its Screen Icon Award. Japanese filmmaker Kore-eda Hirokazu will receive the festival's top prize, the Cinema Honorary Award, for his lasting contributions to Asian cinema.

Hur Jin-ho's opening film, 'The Assassin(s)', stars Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho. The story is set around South Korea's Liberation Day on August 15, 1974, following detective Cheol-gu as he investigates a shooting at the National Theater of Korea. Director Hur Jin-ho will attend the Festival Opening alongside supporting cast members Shim Eun-kyung and Park Sung-hoon. Aamir Khan's award will be accompanied by a 25th-anniversary Special Presentation screening of his acclaimed film 'Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India', which was nominated for Best International Film at the Academy Awards.

Programme highlights and Singapore spotlight

This year's programme spotlights more than 25 Singapore productions and co-productions, many of which have gained recognition at major international festivals. Four of these titles will compete in the festival's Asian Feature Film Competition.

SGIFF executive director Jeremy Chua said the edition brings respected talents and important work from across Asia to Singapore. He mentioned new presentation formats, a more intuitive ticketing platform, and an expanded industry programme. The festival's Undercurrent section will open with three live performances combining moving images with other disciplines: a Taiwanese puppetry piece, a live video gaming work, and an analog film and music performance.

The industry-focused SGIFF Pro returns in an expanded format, adding three new programmes. Parallax is a free public programme on filmmaking and immersive technology. Off Campus connects student training with industry exposure. The Pitching Forum aims to foster co-production between Singapore and international partners. The SGIFF Film Fund is also returning after a short hiatus.

Jury, grants, and audience access

Korean New Wave director Yim Soon-rye will serve as jury head of the Asian Feature Film Competition. Programme director Thong Kay Wee said Singapore’s film industry is enjoying recognition on the world stage, noting that many filmmakers found their first mentorships through SGIFF.

Grants for Southeast Asian filmmakers are reopening with a new focus. The Tan Ean Kiam Foundation will support the Southeast Asian Documentary Grant (SEA-Doc) and Southeast Asian Short Film Grant (SEA-Shorts). SEA-Doc will shift to backing feature documentaries in their late edit or finishing stages, while SEA-Shorts continues supporting emerging filmmakers. The open call for both grants runs from November 5 to December 5.

For audiences, Singaporeans can use SG Culture Pass credits for eligible local film programmes during the general ticket sale period. The festival also introduces Junior Explorers, offering relaxed, sensory-friendly screenings for younger audiences, opening with the stop-motion animation 'Brave Cat'.

Other festival guests include filmmaker Peter Chan Ho-sun, Hong Kong actor Anthony Wong, and cinematographers Akiko Ashizawa and Tom Harari. Anthony Wong will join a post-screening dialogue tied to his first acting role in the 1985 film 'My Name Ain’t Suzie'. Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film, 'Look Back', will also screen as part of the programme. The 37th Singapore International Film Festival runs from October 21 to November 1, 2026.