Showcasing classics and contemporary milestones across languages and generations, the Indian Film Festival 2026 reaffirms cinema as a vital cultural bridge between India and Singapore
For a film industry as vast and prolific as India’s, a dedicated festival remains essential. The Indian Film Festival (IFF) 2026 returns to Singapore following the success of its inaugural edition, bringing to the big screen a rich selection of works that local audiences may not otherwise encounter. Organised in collaboration with the High Commission of India in Singapore and the Singapore Film Society, the festival underscores the enduring relevance of cinema as a shared cultural experience.
IFF 2026 presents a curated line-up of 21 films spanning eight Indian languages, multiple regions, and several decades—from the 1970s to the present day. The programme balances iconic Hindi cinema with a strong emphasis on regional storytelling, featuring acclaimed titles in Tamil, Malayalam, Assamese, Gujarati, Marathi, Odia, and Manipuri alongside Hindi-language works. Together, the selection reflects the plurality, depth, and creative excellence that define Indian cinema across generations.
In his message, Dr Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, highlighted the cultural significance of the festival, particularly as India and Singapore mark 60 years of diplomatic relations. “For India, cinema is not only a means of entertainment but also an important medium for expressing our values, traditions, customs and history,” he said, describing the festival as a unique opportunity for Singaporean audiences to experience India’s cinematic diversity.
The festival also celebrates the shared love of cinema that binds both countries. Kenneth Tan, Chairman of the Singapore Film Society, noted that Indian cinema’s global reputation stems from its extraordinary range of stories and styles. “This film festival is an expression of the joy and love that bonds two countries and unites us in our joint socio-cultural journey together,” he said, underscoring the festival’s role beyond entertainment.
Held at Golden Village Suntec City, the Indian Film Festival 2026 offers audiences in Singapore the chance to rediscover classics, engage with award-winning contemporary films, and experience Indian cinema as it is meant to be seen—on the big screen, together. Through this collective viewing experience, the festival continues to strengthen cultural exchange and mutual understanding between India and Singapore.
Source: Indian High Commission in Singapore
