Singapore Youth Film Festival: How *SCAPE turns young filmmakers into industry-ready powerhouses

From January 29 to February 8, 2026, SYFF is showcasing 44 nominated short films, carefully shortlisted from 262 submissions. These shorts present intimate personal narratives as young filmmakers explore what it means to come of age in today’s Singapore, touching on themes of identity, endangered traditions, and navigating human connections in a technology-driven world.

The Youth Inspiration Award goes to Giselle Lin for her outstanding contributions towards the filmmaking industry in Singapore. Her film Children’s Day, where school adventures, unlikely friendships, and the quest for the perfect outfit come together in a tender, playful story, is also nominated for SYFF 2026. 

Meanwhile, the Most Promising Award goes to Canden Chen’s The Story of Xiao Ming, following the titular character on a mysterious time loop, where each attempt to break away resets the cycle.

For distinct Singaporean voices, Calleen Koh’s In My Wonderful Life turns the lens on overworked Singaporean mums, following a woman who finds unexpected freedom after collapsing at work, while As If To Nothing by Pek Jia Hao and Ang Jia Jun traces an elderly carpenter’s quiet journey through a fast-changing city, narrowing on what gets left behind. Christine Seow’s documentary Two Travelling Aunties captures the chaos, warmth and laughs of a cross-country road trip, brimming with moments that feel unmistakably Singaporean.

Female filmmakers also leave a strong imprint, from Kevia Tan’s Love Quest, which explores modern dating through The Sims, to Christal Gallyot’s Balang Araw, a haunting portrait of parenthood shaped by violence, and Tan Wei Ting’s Withering Tree and Living Ashes, an intimate reflection on caregiving and dementia. 

Animation emerges as a powerful storytelling tool too, with Tan Ning Xuan’s mixed-media I Think I’m Going To Die, Jaime Ng’s Neh Neh Pok and Tuason Miguel Artemio Galang’s The Rider using visual experimentation to grapple with themes of identity, body image and loss.

SYFF isn’t just about watching films; it’s also about joining the conversation. Talks with international industry veterans give young filmmakers a window into the real world of filmmaking, covering everything from storyboarding and pitching to navigating production challenges and global trends. These sessions demystify the professional side of cinema, offering insights that are usually reserved for those already in the industry. 

Speakers this year include SYFF 2026 jury member Daniel Hui, Youth Inspiration Award 2024 recipients Mark Chua and Lam Li Shuen, local filmmakers Tan Siyou and Huang Junxiang, as well as international speakers such as Paris-based production house CHARADES, Vietnam-based leading VFX company Cyclo VFX, and producer Kim Young-Min (Exhuma).

Whether you’re a film lover, aspiring director or cultural explorer, SYFF 2026 is a festival that demands attention. Catch the screenings, join the talks, broaden your perspectives and connect with Singapore’s next generation of storytellers. You can also vote for your favourite films for the Audience Choice Award from January 29 to February 8. Plus, score free tickets to all programmes with the promo code 'SYFF-FREE', valid until January 28, 2026. Find out more here.