Film-makers mourn closure of The Projector

Local film-makers have likened the closure of indie cinema The Projector to the death of a close friend, given its importance in the cultural landscape.

- Sherlyn Sim

For over a decade, The Projector was a haven for alternative cinema, a space where directors could test new ideas and a hub for cinephiles to connect.

On Aug 19, The Projector announced it had ceased operations immediately, with all future screenings and events cancelled.

Award-winning film-maker Boo Junfeng described the closure as a "huge loss" not only for Singapore's film scene, but also for its cultural vitality.

Boo, whose film Apprentice (2016) won the Netpac award at Taipei's Golden Horse Film Festival, said: "The Projector was a space that dared to be different... it was something Singapore sorely needed."

He added that the cinema had an emphasis on showcasing films beyond the blockbuster movies that typically fill other theatres. Its closure leaves a significant gap in the range of movies available here, with audiences able to access such breadth only during the annual Singapore International Film Festival, Boo added.

He said: "These are not always titles suitable for watching on streaming platforms. They require the big screen and the commitment from the viewer to set aside his or her schedule and distractions to watch and enjoy."