Stephen Marchisio
Ambassador of France to Singapore

I am delighted to present the 41st edition of the vOilah! French Film Festival, which will bring together a wide-ranging selection of recent and upcoming films that showcase the richness and diversity of French cinema. From gripping thrillers and touching dramas to poetic animations and comedy, this year’s line-up includes 30 titles, among them Dog 51, one of France’s most anticipated films, and 13 Days, 13 Nights, based on the extraordinary true story of the evacuation of the French Embassy in Kabul in August 2021. As an Ambassador, the latter resonates deeply – a reminder of the courage, humanity, and sense of duty that underpin our diplomatic vocation.

We are also honoured to welcome a talented member of the cast of Couture, Garance Marillier, as well as director Gilles de Maistre, known for Moon the Panda. Their presence in Singapore will embody the creative energy behind today’s French cinema.

The vOilah! French Film Festival is a highlight of the people-to-people relations which have blossomed between France and Singapore. President Emmanuel Macron’s visit last May, celebrating sixty years of diplomatic relations, reaffirmed the breadth of our bilateral partnership as well as its strength. Indeed, this partnership relies not only on institutional cooperation but also on shared values, passionate individuals and, in the case of cinema, talented artists.

We are proud that the vOilah! French Film Festival is Singapore’s longest-running foreign film festival, because it is a testament to this, to the friendships we have been able to establish. In this regard, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our long-standing partners – the Alliance Française de Singapour, Shaw Organisation, and all our sponsors – for their commitment and support. This year again we are also working with the People’s Association to bring free screenings of family-friendly films and animations to community spaces across Singapore. I am particularly happy about this as facilitating access to culture for all has always been at the heart of France’s cultural policies.

The recent closure of The Projector, a beloved venue and long-time partner, adds a shade of nostalgia on this year’s edition, and reminds us of how precious, and sometimes fragile, spaces for artistic discovery and exchange are. We are deeply thankful for The Projector’s years of contribution to the French Film Festival.

Finally, the festival will conclude with a special evening held jointly with the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), featuring Arco, winner of the Cristal du long métrage at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. This screening perfectly embodies the creative bridges between our two countries and points to an exciting future of deeper professional exchanges in the film sector.

I wish you all an inspiring and memorable festival.

Happy screenings!