Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is set to add another feather to his cap as the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) prepares to honour him with the prestigious Screen Icon Award. Now in its 37th edition, the festival will celebrate the actor’s monumental contribution to cinema by hosting a special screening of his cult classic, Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, to mark the film’s 25th anniversary. Director Ashutosh Gowariker is also expected to grace the event, adding a nostalgic touch to the festivities.
The festival, which runs from October 21 to November 1, is shaping up to be a star-studded affair. The opening night will feature the South Korean thriller The Assassin(s), with director Hur Jin-ho and cast members Shim Eun-kyung and Park Sung-hoon in attendance. Additionally, the festival’s top prize, the Cinema Honorary Award, will be presented to acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Kore-eda Hirokazu, whose film Look Back will also be screened as part of the official program.
SGIFF executive director Jeremy Chua has promised an elevated experience for cinephiles this year. The festival is introducing a more intuitive ticketing platform, an expanded industry resource centre, and a new free-to-attend section that explores the intersection of creativity and technology. The lineup is equally impressive, featuring over 25 Singaporean productions and co-productions that have already made waves at global festivals like Cannes, Sundance, and Venice.
Beyond the main screenings, the festival is branching out to reach diverse audiences. The new Junior Explorers section will offer sensory-friendly screenings for younger viewers, kicking off with the stop-motion feature Brave Cat. Meanwhile, the Undercurrent section will push creative boundaries with three live performances, including a Taiwanese puppetry piece, a live video gaming production, and an analog film and music performance. With this eclectic mix of programming, the 37th SGIFF aims to bring the most consequential works and respected talents from across Asia to the forefront.