The Singapore International Film Festival 2026 is underway, bringing together filmmakers, actors and cinema audiences for its 37th edition.
Running from October 21 to November 1, the festival features Indian cinema, Korean films, Japanese filmmaking and Singaporean productions. Among its headline international guests is Aamir Khan, who is receiving the festival's Screen Icon Award.
Singapore International Film Festival 2026: Dates and Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival | Singapore International Film Festival |
| Edition | 37th |
| Dates | October 21–November 1, 2026 |
| Location | Singapore |
| Screen Icon Award | Aamir Khan |
| Cinema Honorary Award | Hirokazu Koreeda |
| Festival ambassador | Rebecca Lim |
| Special Indian film | Lagaan |
| Opening film | The Assassin(s) |
Aamir Khan Receives Screen Icon Recognition
Aamir Khan is one of the major international personalities featured at the 37th Singapore International Film Festival. The Indian actor and producer is being recognised with the Screen Icon Award for his contribution to cinema.
His participation also brings renewed attention to Indian cinema through a special screening of Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, one of his most internationally recognised films.
Lagaan Returns for Its 25th Anniversary
Released in 2001, Lagaan celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026. The film follows Indian villagers who challenge British colonial officers to a cricket match in an effort to escape an oppressive tax burden.
The Singapore festival screening offers audiences an opportunity to revisit the film on the big screen. Director Ashutosh Gowariker is also part of the festival's announced guest programme.
Lagaan remains notable for its combination of period drama, sports storytelling and music. Its anniversary screening connects a landmark Indian production with Singapore's international film audience.
Singapore Film Festival 2026 Major Films and Highlights
| Film or programme | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Lagaan | 25th-anniversary special presentation |
| The Assassin(s) | Opening film |
| Look Back | Southeast Asian premiere |
| Ah Girl | Singapore cinema showcase |
| The House on the Moon | Singapore feature selection |
| Junior Explorers | Family-oriented film programme |
| In Conversation With | Filmmaker and actor discussions |
The festival programme combines international premieres, restored cinema, Singapore productions and filmmaker conversations. Its selection offers audiences access to films and discussions beyond conventional commercial theatrical releases.
Japanese and Korean Cinema at SGIFF 2026
Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda is receiving the Cinema Honorary Award. His latest film, Look Back, is also included in the festival programme.
Korean cinema is represented by the opening film The Assassin(s), while Asian filmmakers and performers are participating in screenings, conversations and special festival events.
The festival's international selection reflects its continuing emphasis on Asian filmmaking alongside cinema from other regions.
Singapore Films Receive a Major Spotlight
More than 25 Singapore productions and co-productions feature in the festival's wider programme. The selection includes films that have travelled to international festivals, bringing local filmmakers and performers into the spotlight.
For Singapore's entertainment industry, the festival provides a platform for domestic cinema alongside established international names and emerging filmmakers.
SGIFF 2026 Awards and Special Guests
| Personality | Festival connection |
|---|---|
| Aamir Khan | Screen Icon Award |
| Hirokazu Koreeda | Cinema Honorary Award |
| Rebecca Lim | Festival ambassador |
| Ashutosh Gowariker | Lagaan special presentation |
| Anthony Wong | Festival guest |
| Shim Eun-kyung | Festival guest |
Why Singapore International Film Festival Matters for Asian Cinema
The festival combines international film screenings with conversations, awards and industry programmes. Its 2026 edition creates opportunities for audiences to discover films beyond mainstream commercial releases.
The inclusion of Indian, Korean, Japanese and Singaporean cinema demonstrates the variety of Asian film industries represented at the event.
With the festival continuing until November 1, attention remains on special screenings, filmmaker discussions and award presentations. Aamir Khan's participation and the 25th-anniversary celebration of Lagaan are particularly relevant to Indian cinema followers in Singapore and across Southeast Asia.