The Singapore International Film Festival launched its 36th edition with international star Shu Qi ‘s first feature as director, marking the event’s most successful opening in its history.

The festival opened on Nov. 26 at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, with Shu Qi’s “ Girl ,” a semi-autobiographical drama set in 1980s Taipei. The director attended alongside lead actor Bai Xiao-Ying and actor-singer 9m88, joining festival ambassador Rebecca Lim and guest of honor Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information.

Ticket sales surged 52% compared to the same period last year, with 33 sold-out screenings to date — four times the number from 2024. The festival is on track to achieve the highest box office sales in its 36-year history.

Much of the buzz cent

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