Cover Directed by Japan's Chie Hayakawa and co-produced by Singapore-based Akanga Film Asia, “Renoir" will compete for the coveted Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival 2025 (Photo: 2025 Renoir Film Partners)
Directed by Japan's Chie Hayakawa and co-produced by Singapore-based Akanga Film Asia, “Renoir" will compete for the coveted Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival 2025 (Photo: 2025 Renoir Film Partners)
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Co-produced by Singapore-based Akanga Film Asia, “Renoir” will compete in the main competition of Cannes Film Festival 2025, while two other films with Singapore participation—“A Useful Ghost”, which has secured a spot in Critics’ Week, and the short film “Before the Sea Forgets”, selected for Directors’ Fortnight—will also feature at the festival
In a remarkable achievement for Singapore’s film industry, three made-with-Singapore films have been selected for the prestigious 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The 78th edition of the festival will take place from May 13 to 24 in Cannes, France. Leading the pack is Renoir, which will compete for the coveted Palme d’Or in the main competition, marking Singapore’s return to this elite category after a 17-year hiatus. Joining it are A Useful Ghost in Critics' Week and the short film Before the Sea Forgets in Directors’ Fortnight.
Co-produced by Singapore-based Akanga Film Asia, Renoir has achieved the remarkable feat of being among one of the 21 films selected from a record 2,909 submissions worldwide. Directed by Chie Hayakawa of Japan, this poignant drama tells the story of Fuki, a quirky 11-year-old girl navigating the challenges of a terminally ill father and an overworked mother during one summer in 1987 Tokyo. The film represents Singapore’s strongest showing at Cannes since Eric Khoo’s My Magic in 2008 and marks only the third time a made-with-Singapore film has competed for the Palme d’Or. This international collaboration features production companies from Singapore, Japan, France, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with French-based company Goodfellas acquiring international sales rights ahead of its premiere.
In the prestigious Critics’ Week section, Singapore is represented by A Useful Ghost, co-produced by Singapore-based Momo Film Co. Directed by Thailand's Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, this unique blend of drama, fantasy, and dark comedy follows March, who discovers his wife Nat’s spirit has returned in the form of a vacuum cleaner after her death from dust pollution. Tan Si En, co-producer and founder of Momo Film Co, highlighted the significant contributions of Singaporean talent: “The film was shaped by the immense dedication and talent of Singaporeans—especially our sound designer Lim Ting Li and product designer Sim Hao Jie.”
Read more: IMDA celebrates 60 years of ‘Singaporean-ness’ through local storytelling
Above Directed by Thailand's Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, “A Useful Ghost” is co-produced by Singapore-based Momo Film Co (Photo: Momo Film Co)
Directed by Thailand's Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, “A Useful Ghost” is co-produced by Singapore-based Momo Film Co (Photo: Momo Film Co)
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Completing Singapore’s impressive showing is the short film Before the Sea Forgets, selected for Directors’ Fortnight. This Singapore production by 13 Little Pictures and WBSB Films, directed by Vietnam’s Le Ngoc Duy, follows a young man who suspects his older lover’s infidelity as they search for a Vietnamese soldier’s forgotten grave. The film showcases Singapore’s post-production prowess, with cinematography, colour grading and post-production handled by local talents Looi Wan Ping (who is also the co-producer), Eugene Seah and The Chop Shop Post, respectively.
This strong showing builds on Singapore’s growing reputation in international cinema. Last year, director Chiang Wei Liang’s Mongrel received a Camera d’Or Special Mention, continuing the momentum from 2024 when three made-with-Singapore films were selected for various sections of the festival. Since 1997, Singapore-linked productions have secured placements in prestigious Cannes sections, including three titles for Main Competition, seven for Un Certain Regard, and nine for Directors’ Fortnight.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has played a crucial role in Singapore’s cinematic success through its Media Talent Progression Programme. Renoir received IMDA’s Go-Global Grant, while A Useful Ghost was awarded the Southeast Asia Co-Production Grant. These initiatives have enabled 30 Singapore talents to work across various production departments for both films, providing valuable international exposure and knowledge exchange.
In case you missed it: Film producer Tan Si En is taking Southeast Asian narratives to the world
Above Directed by Vietnam’s Le Ngoc Duy, “Before the Sea Forgets” showcases Singapore’s post-production prowess (Photo: 13 Little Pictures and WBSB Films)
Directed by Vietnam’s Le Ngoc Duy, “Before the Sea Forgets” showcases Singapore’s post-production prowess (Photo: 13 Little Pictures and WBSB Films)
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"As Singapore marks its 60th birthday this year, we celebrate nearly three decades of showcasing made-with-SG content and local talent at Cannes Film Market," says Yvonne Tang, assistant chief executive of IMDA’s Media Industry Group. “Our strong presence here demonstrates how Singapore, despite its size, consistently produces brilliant storytellers who can compete on the world stage.”
The selection of these three diverse films underscores Singapore’s emergence as a hub for quality filmmaking in Asia. By blending local talent with international collaborations, Singapore continues to punch above its weight in the global cinema landscape. As these films prepare to showcase at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, they represent not only significant artistic achievements but also signal the growing recognition of Singapore’s unique voice in international cinema.
As Senior Editor of Tatler Singapore, Hashirin champions and refines the storytelling across platforms—curating and crafting compelling profiles, cover stories and features that spotlight visionaries shaping culture, business and impact. Driven by curiosity, she draws inspiration from the artists, changemakers and trailblazers she encounters through her work. Beyond the pages of Tatler, she is an avid supporter of local theatre and delights in seeking out art in every city she visits.
