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| Media launch event for Singapore Media Festival 2025 (From left to right: Don Chen, Senior Principal Consultant, Media Industry Development, Media Industry Group, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA); Thong Kay Wee, Programme Director, Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF); Joyce Chua, Senior Project Manager, RX Global, Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF); Michelle Lim, Founder & CEO of Generation Experience Pte Ltd, event organiser for Singapore Comic Con, Creators Con; Diko Kissimon, Business Director, 1000Media & Nas Daily & Head of Nas Summit; Yvonne Tang, Assistant Chief Executive, Media Industry Group, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA); Veronica Yong, Director of Marketing and New Media, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) |
The Singapore Media Festival (SMF) is back from 26 November to 7 December 2025, and it’s gearing up to be one of the most exciting editions yet. Hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the festival unites four major creative worlds — the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF), Singapore Comic Con (SGCC), and Nas Summit — transforming Singapore into a vibrant hub where filmmakers, creators, industry leaders, and fans all collide in the best way possible.
SMF has always been about spotlighting Asian stories, but this year brings an even deeper sense of connection, innovation, and creative possibility. As Ms Yvonne Tang, Assistant Chief Executive of IMDA’s Media Industry Group, reflects, Asia’s media landscape is entering a new era — one where storytellers are also entrepreneurs and innovators, and where Singapore continues to be a launchpad for trailblazing ideas.
SGIFF 2025: Films, Fresh Voices & a Spectacular Opening Night
The 36th Singapore International Film Festival is returning with more than 120 films from over 45 countries, and it opens with a major highlight: Girl, a coming-of-age feature that marks the directorial debut of beloved actress Shu Qi. She’ll be gracing the opening gala at Sands Theatre, accompanied by returning ambassador Rebecca Lim, kicking off the festival on a dazzling note.
This year’s lineup feels especially personal, with world premieres like Sandbox, At Home with Work, and Cendol; all heartfelt celebrations of local stories. More than 30 Made-in-Singapore productions will take the spotlight, alongside standout titles such as Amoeba by Tan Siyou, a striking portrait of youth navigating Singapore’s rigid social realities, and A Useful Ghost, the Singapore–Thailand co-production that clinched the coveted 2025 Cannes Critics’ Week Grand Prix. SGIFF continues to be the place where emerging voices and bold perspectives shine.
SGCC 2025: The Biggest Pop Culture Party in Southeast Asia
From 5 to 7 December, Singapore Comic Con returns bigger than ever, and this year’s edition feels like a vibrant playground for fans, collectors, cosplayers, and pop culture lovers. The showfloor will be bustling with exclusive merchandise from S.H. Figuarts, Bandai, Hasbro, Threezero, Blokee, and even special Artgerm × SGCC drops that collectors are already buzzing about.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. SGCC will feature special appearances by global and local icons, including the Pink and Red Power Rangers, Erin Cahill and Jason Faunt; legendary comic artist Simon Bisley; superstar illustrator Stanley “Artgerm” Lau; Transformers artist Warrick Wong; fan-favourite Pokémon TCG personalities Sunohara and Kouki Saitou; and up-and-coming Singaporean artist Kangjing. Fans can expect intimate meet-and-greets, live sketches, and plenty of moments that feel straight out of a comic book.
Alongside the main event, Bandai Card Game Fest will bring together tabletop enthusiasts with six major tournaments, while Collexi Con introduces a massive Pokémon Trading Card Game zone. Even the MONOPOLY Singapore Championship will crown its top three players live at the event, adding a fun competitive edge to the weekend.
In celebration of SG60, the Singapore Games Association (SGGA) is also presenting an exhibition of 60 homegrown games — with 20 available for hands-on play — and launching a dedicated SG60 games collection on Steam, so players around the world can join in from home!
ATF 2025: Where Asia’s Content Future Takes Shape
The Asia TV Forum & Market, returning from 2 to 5 December, continues to be Asia’s most dynamic gathering point for broadcasters, studios, producers, and platforms. This year, all eyes are on the rise of micro-dramas - the short, addictive storytelling format that has been exploding across the region.
ATF will host keynotes, panel discussions, curated showcases, and even a dedicated “Micro-drama 101” masterclass by COL Group. Creators and buyers from innovative studios like GDH 559 and Bamboo Network, along with global players such as Astro, TikTok Korea, DreamWorks and Dentsu, will lead conversations on new monetisation models, creator ecosystems, and future content trends.
For creators looking to take their stories global, IMDA is holding two major co-production pitch sessions - one for scripted series in partnership with CANAL+, and another dedicated to unscripted formats. It’s an exciting opportunity for Singapore storytellers to bring their ideas to the world stage.
Nas Summit 2025: For Creators, Dreamers & Digitally Driven Brands
From 1 to 2 December, Nas Summit returns in a hybrid format, designed for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands eager to sharpen their storytelling and digital presence. International creator-magician Julius Dein, beloved local actress Jeanette Aw, and Nas Daily founder Nuseir Yassin are among this year’s lineup of speakers who’ll dive into everything from building a digital brand to making content that truly resonates.
What’s new and especially exciting is a full-day SME track crafted for emerging businesses and creator-preneurs. Led by experts like Maor Shlomo from Base 44, the sessions explore how AI can spark content ideas, boost brand visibility, and help small businesses scale in smarter, more impactful ways.
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New Industry Opportunities: Day Zero, Game Pitches & Rising Filmmakers
This year introduces Industry Day Zero, a new collaboration between IMDA and SGCC that brings together creators across comics, film, animation, games, and digital storytelling for a full day of insights and cross-industry connection.
SGCC’s Work-In-Progress (W.I.P.) Programme, which has long supported emerging comic creators, is expanding to include a Games Pitch segment — giving indie developers and students the chance to showcase prototypes to publishers, mentors, and investors.
Over in the film world, SGIFF is launching a new APN+ECG Pitching Forum in partnership with Eye Catcher Global, offering regional filmmakers a valuable platform to connect with distributors and financiers. These initiatives reflect SMF’s commitment to uplifting the next generation of creators and helping them turn ideas into opportunities.
With world-class films, exciting industry innovations, the region’s biggest pop culture celebration, and a creator summit designed for tomorrow’s storytellers, the 12th Singapore Media Festival is shaping up to be an unforgettable creative marathon. Whether you’re a fan, a filmmaker, a gamer, a content creator, or simply someone who loves great stories, SMF 2025 is brimming with inspiration at every corner. Keep up to date with me and also at their official website - https://www.imda.gov.sg/activities/activities-catalogue/singapore-media-festival.
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