Cover The Projector at the Golden Mile Tower had three screening halls and a bar (Photo: Pieter van Goethem/The Projector)
The Projector at the Golden Mile Tower had three screening halls and a bar (Photo: Pieter van Goethem/The Projector)
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The Projector is a cultural institution that has redefined Singapore cinema. Here are some fun facts you might not know
The Projector wasn’t just a cinema—it was Singapore’s ultimate indie hangout, where cult classics met drag shows, local filmmakers were showcased and celebrated, and popcorn took a backseat to artisanal snacks like specialty hotdogs, grilled cheese sandwiches and craft beer. Originally housed in the retro charm of Golden Mile Tower, the independent cinema was a full-on cultural vibe.
The cineplex celebrated its 10th anniversary in January 2025, marking a decade of milestones but also challenges that included the Covid-19 pandemic and the looming redevelopment of Golden Mile Tower. But in August 2025, The Projector decided to enter voluntary liquidation citing “rising operational costs, shifting audience habits and the global decline in cinema attendance” as reasons, and its last day of operations was August 19.
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Karen Tan, co-founder of The Projector and a 2018 Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow, says, “The Projector has never been just about the films. It’s about the people who’ve come through our doors, those who’ve discovered stories, created memories and felt a sense of belonging here. Supporting local emerging talent has also been core to what we do, and it’s our way of contributing to Singapore’s creative scene.”
Here are five things to know about the iconic institution.
The Green Room was The Projector’s largest hall with old-school charm. It has hosted everything from film festivals and director talks to PlayStation demos and even a live-feed surgeon’s conference (Photo: The Projector)
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Built on the legacy of a 1970s legend
The Projector’s flagship location at Golden Mile Tower occupied the space of the former Golden Cinema, once the largest cineplex in Singapore and Malaysia during the 1970s. Golden Theatre, as it was originally known, was completed in 1973 with over 1,500 seats, making it the largest cinema in the region at the time.
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A crowdfunded dream come true
The Projector soft launched in 2014 after a successful IndieGoGo campaign to transform the space into an independent cinema, and officially launched as a business screening its own films in January 2015. The initiative demonstrated a strong demand among Singaporeans for a unique movie-going experience beyond mainstream offerings.
Pioneers of the local film industry
The Projector was a champion and platform for the showcasing of local films and filmmakers. The establishment opened with screenings of Sundance-winning director Kirsten Tan’s short films and remained a huge supporter of emerging Singaporean talent.
It has also collaborated with local film distributors, such as Lighthouse Pictures, to release acclaimed titles like All We Imagine As Light by Payal Kapadia and Flow by Gints Zilbalodis.
Read more: 8 award-winning Singaporean movies to watch ahead of National Day
The birth of Projector Plus
The Projector at Cineleisure had six cinema halls, three flexible event spaces and a bar (Photo: The Projector)
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During the pandemic, The Projector launched Projector Plus, a streaming platform that brought independent and alternative films to audiences at home. The new platform took three months to build from scratch.
The Projector also organised pop-ups at Riverside Point and The Cathay, and created Projector X: Picturehouse before establishing a second permanent space at Cineleisure in 2024.
A cultural hub
Over the years, The Projector has hosted a variety of events, including drag shows, live music gigs, fundraisers, story slams and Pride events. The location aimed to foster a vibrant community space that celebrates creativity and inclusivity.
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Based in Singapore, Valerie Lim is the digital editor for Tatler Power and Purpose, Tatler Asia’s dynamic platform spotlighting industry leaders across the region. Valerie leads the charge in shaping the platform’s digital presence, from overseeing and producing website content to curating social media strategies.
With a finger on the pulse of the region, she keeps an eye out for news and trends in business, innovation and leadership, ensuring the brand stays ahead of the curve in delivering stories that inspire and inform its community of changemakers.
About
Prior to this role, she worked in marketing and communications. She considers herself Singaporean at heart and international by passion. You may recognise her from her 15 minutes of fame when she was crowned Miss Universe Singapore 2011. When she is not at her desk, you can find her in the gym or at a yoga studio.
Connect with her via Instagram @msvalerielim, LinkedIn or send press materials, and media invites to valerie.lim@tatlerasia.com
