Explore Singapore: Accela’s Guide to the Silver Screen Frontier
Photo by Karen Zhao on Unsplash
While the pandemic has put a spanner in our regular movie-going experience, it does not mean that we should let the convenience of Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and more streaming services put the art of the silver screen to rest. In celebration of the Singapore International Film Festival kicking off later this month, it is time to put down the TV remote, fold away those grungy sweatpants, message those friends you have not seen in a while and plan your trip to the cinema.
Invest in your senses and experience a pleasurable series of visual, audio and even social sensations once again by visiting a cinema. Looking for something more than your regular multiplex cinema? In Singapore, you can find various independent cinemas committed to helping innovative and challenging films to find an audience. Not sure where to look? Continue reading to learn more about where the alternative cinemas are and how to find them.
Alliance Française de Singapour
Were you looking to pick up a new language this year? Forget the Duolingo app and visit Alliance Française de Singapour to learn the language of love. Make a day out of it, grab some of your friends and immerse yourself in French culture for a day. Visit Entre-Nous Creperie for some fantastic crepes and make your way down to watch your French flick. Don’t worry, the films have English subtitles!
Address: 1 Sarkies Rd, Singapore 258130
Website: https://alliancefrancaise.org.sg/event?type=33#/
Projector X: Riverside
Everyone remembers Singapore’s classic independent cinema, The Projector. Sit tight because they have launched a new pop-up cinema concept which will include a series of secret but planned pop-ups around the island. Kicking it off in Riverside, you can enjoy some classic musical films or even the recent Oscar Best Picture winner Nomadland in an abandoned Chinese discotheque. Seats are sold in pairs; grab a buddy and pay $18.50 to enjoy a unique film experience.
Address: Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Road, #04-13, Singapore 058282
Opening hours: Wednesday – Friday, 4:00 – 8:30PM, Saturday – Sunday, 1:00 – 8:30PM
Website: theprojector.sg
Filmgarde Cineplexes
Since 2007, Filmgarde has always been the dark horse of the cinema industry. They believe that good films should be shared with an audience despite the labels or awards. Filmgarde now has three locations in Kallang, Bugis+ and Century Square that movie buffs can visit. Feeling luxurious? Their location at Leisure Park Kallang has a premium cinema hall called Primo – the first-ever premium single seating in Singapore! Recline in a leatherette chair and get lost in some Asian films with snacks and drinks for $40.
Website: fgcineplex.com.sg/
Carnival Cinemas
If you are someone who gets bored and has no idea what to do for a long chunk of time, why not engross yourself in a Bollywood film? Carnival Cinemas have become a one-stop destination with its Bollywood and regional blockbusters and mouth-watering snacks. Ladies can watch movies for $5 on Wednesdays, so bring along your girlfriends and venture to another cinematic universe.
Address: 6001, Beach Road, Golden Mile Tower
Website: https://carnivalcinemas.sg/#/
We have a multitude of cinemas to explore in Singapore, with a variety of new films coming through the door every day. Why not explore and find your new favourite spot to watch that arthouse flick or latest Marvel universe addition with these alternatives. You never know what an ambience change can do to elevate your movie-going experience!
