First Singaporean Film
The first Singaporean film, "Pontianak," was released in 1955, marking the beginning of the local film industry. Directed by B.N. Rao, it became a significant hit in the region.
1955
1960
Shaw Brothers and Cathay Organisation
During the 1960s, the Shaw Brothers and Cathay Organisation dominated the Singaporean film industry, producing numerous Malay-language films that were popular across Southeast Asia.
1972
Decline of the Golden Age
The 1970s saw a decline in film production due to rising costs and competition from television. Many local studios closed down, leading to a significant drop in the number of films produced.
1991
Revival with "Medium Rare"
"Medium Rare," directed by Arthur Smith, was released in 1991 as Singapore's first English-language feature film, marking the beginning of a new era in local cinema.
1995
Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF)
The Singapore International Film Festival was established in 1995, providing a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work and bringing international films to Singaporean audiences.
1997
Eric Khoo's "12 Storeys"
Eric Khoo's "12 Storeys" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 1997, gaining international recognition and highlighting the potential of Singaporean cinema on the global stage.
2002
Jack Neo's "I Not Stupid"
Jack Neo's "I Not Stupid" was released in 2002, becoming a critical and commercial success. The film addressed social issues in Singapore and resonated deeply with local audiences.
2005
Formation of the Singapore Film Commission (SFC)
The Singapore Film Commission was formed in 2005 to promote and develop the local film industry, providing funding and support for filmmakers.
2007
Royston Tan's "881"
Royston Tan's musical drama "881" was released in 2007, celebrating local culture and becoming one of the highest-grossing Singaporean films of all time.
2011
Anthony Chen's "Ilo Ilo"
Anthony Chen's debut feature "Ilo Ilo" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013, winning the prestigious Camera d'Or award and bringing international acclaim to Singaporean cinema.
2014
Singapore Media Festival
The Singapore Media Festival was launched in 2014, encompassing the SGIFF, Asia TV Forum & Market, and other events, further establishing Singapore as a media hub in Asia.
2016
Boo Junfeng's "Apprentice"
Boo Junfeng's "Apprentice" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016, receiving critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and direction.
2018
Eric Khoo's "Ramen Teh"
Eric Khoo's "Ramen Teh," a Singapore-Japan co-production, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2018, showcasing the collaborative potential of Singaporean cinema.
2020
Impact of COVID-19 on Cinema of Singapore
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the Cinema of Singapore, leading to the temporary closure of cinemas and a shift towards digital streaming platforms for film releases.
2022
Revival of Local Film Productions
Post-pandemic, there was a revival in local film productions with increased government support and initiatives to boost the industry, leading to a resurgence of Singaporean cinema.
2024
Singaporean Cinema on the Global Stage
By 2024, Singaporean cinema continues to grow, with more films being recognized at international film festivals and increased collaborations with global filmmakers, solidifying its place in the global film industry.
