Shu Qi’s Directorial Debut ‘Girl’ Opens Singapore Film Festival

Singapore International Film Festival launched its 36th edition featuring an international star Shu Qihis first full-length work as a director, marking the most successful opening of the event in its history.

The festival opened on 26 November at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, with Shu Qi's song “Girl“, a semi-autobiographical drama set in 1980s Taipei. The director was in attendance along with lead actor Bai Hsiao-Ying and actor-singer 9m88, as well as festival ambassador Rebecca Lim and guest of honor Josephine Teo, Singapore's Minister for Digital Development and Information.

Ticket sales are up 52% ​​year-on-year, with 33 screenings sold to date – four times more than in 2024. The festival is on track to achieve its highest box office receipts in its 36-year history.

Much of the buzz centered around the appearance of Hong Kong film icon Tony Leung at the special presentation of The Silent Friend. Tickets for this screening and its In Conversation with Tony Leung session sold out within 10 minutes of going on sale, becoming one of the most popular tickets in SGIFF history.

Local productions also generated a lot of interest. Singaporean films The Old Man and His Car and The Sandlot sold out within 24 hours. Japanese films, including “Kokuho,” “Two Seasons, Two Strangers” and “Shrink Me to Portable Size,” were among the fastest-selling international films. All films related to Shu Qi, including “Girl” and “Resurrection”, have sold out.

“The response this year has been truly overwhelming,” said Jeremy Chua, general manager of SGIFF. “The energy we see from audiences highlights the value of the collective cinema experience. It's been a difficult year for the Singapore film industry, but what we're seeing through SGIFF is proof that there is a demand for cinema.”

The festival will run until December 7 and will feature over 120 films from over 45 countries, including over 30 Singapore-shot and co-production films. The program focuses on stories of identity, resilience and rediscovery.

This year's “In Conversation With” series features a director. Deepa MehtaHonorary Film Award winner; Oscar-winning actor Young Yoo-jung, who received the Screen Icon Award; and Hollywood Singaporean actor Chin Han.

Marina Bay Sands continues its partnership with the festival, hosting a film premiere and two “In Conversation With” sessions. Paul Town, chief operating officer of Marina Bay Sands, said the integrated resort's venues provide an ideal setting for celebrating art and cinema.

Shu Qi, who often collaborated with Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien, began making films at his suggestion. The premiere of “Girls” took place in Venice. and won for her Best Director Award at the Busan International Film Festival. The film follows 10-year-old Hsiao-li in 1980s Taipei as she overcomes family problems and befriends a precocious transfer student.

As an actor, Shu Qi has appeared in more than 90 films, including three collaborations with Hou: The Killer, Millennium Mambo and Three Times. She has won two Golden Horse Awards and three Hong Kong Film Awards.

Industry, Industry, Introduction, Nathan Hortony and Benjamin Kang.

The Singapore International Film Festival is part of the Singapore Media Festival 2025, organized by the Infocomm Media Development Authority.