SINGAPORE: The public has expressed shock and lamented the abrupt closure of The Projector, Singapore’s iconic independent cinema.
The Projector closed its doors at Golden Mile Tower on 19 August 2025, marking the end of an era for the city’s independent cinema and arts community.
The closure comes just two weeks after the cessation of its Cineleisure Orchard outlet on 4 August.
The company confirmed via Instagram that it will enter voluntary liquidation after a decade of operation.
Since opening in 2014, The Projector had become more than just a cinema.
It developed a reputation as a cultural hub, hosting film festivals such as the Singapore International Film Festival, the European Film Festival, and Pink Screen.
It also offered poetry slams, vintage markets, and charity events, providing a platform for creative communities and championing alternative films.
However, management acknowledged the challenges facing independent cinemas in Singapore.
Rising costs, shifting global viewing habits, and the broader realities of operating in the arts sector made the model difficult to sustain.
“These pressures have been compounded by the broader realities of operating in the arts and culture sector in Singapore, where independent ventures navigate limited resources while contributing to the country’s evolving cultural landscape,” management said in a statement on 19 August.
According to The Straits Times, The Projector had already reduced daily screenings at Golden Mile from May 2025, shifting instead to event-based screenings, interactive film sessions, live music showcases, and corporate venue hires.
Co-founder Karen Tan described this as a strategic pivot aimed at adapting for the future.
Despite these efforts, both the Golden Mile and Cineleisure operations have now come to an end.
Netizens React to Sudden Closure
News of the closure sparked widespread reactions online, with Reddit threads receiving over 300 comments.
Many users expressed surprise and questioned the abrupt timing, noting that the cinema had several events scheduled in the days prior.
“Something must have happened all of a sudden for this to happen,” one user commented.
Some suggested it could be due to rental issues, while others believed financial difficulties were likely.
One user guessed that a bank or lending party might have pulled their credit line, prompting the immediate shutdown.
“Else, there would definitely be some form of announcement that they’re closing, instead of on the very day itself,” the user added.
Cultural and Social Significance
Many lamented the loss of a cinema that showcased both blockbuster and independent films and served as a social hub for the community.
A former member and regular attendee of classic and indie screenings described The Projector as one of their favourite places in Singapore, recalling weekend nights spent watching black-and-white films from the 1950s while enjoying quality cinema snacks as a “priceless experience.”
Others highlighted the cultural and social value of the venue.
“I am so sad not just because The Projector is closing down. I am sad because we have lost another place to hang out, especially for free spirits, creative people, those who share a passion for motion pictures, and minority groups – the dreamers and the misfits,” one user wrote.
One user commented, “I wish we had been given a chance to say our goodbyes to this beautiful space,” adding that the abrupt closure is shocking.
While many expressed sadness, one user acknowledged the broader challenges faced by independent cinemas in Singapore, including high rents, changing viewing habits, and competition from streaming services.
“Lasting a decade says a lot about the goodwill and effort behind it,” the user commented.
The Projector Owes Over S$1.2 Million to Creditors
CNA reported that Pocket Cinema, the company behind The Projector, owes over S$1.2 million to creditors.
An email to creditors, seen by CNA, stated that around 2,300 members and hundreds of ticket holders are collectively owed about S$104,000.
The largest creditor is film company Overseas Movie, owed S$382,888, followed by OCBC and UOB.
Co-founders Karen Tan and Blaise Camille Trigg-Smith are also listed among the creditors, owed approximately S$120,785 and S$100,025 respectively.
Other notable creditors include the non-profit Composers & Authors Society of Singapore (S$17,700), as well as Golden Village (S$9,200) and Cathay Cineplexes (S$1,800).
PSP’s Leong Mun Wai Calls Closure a Wake-Up Call
The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) member Leong Mun Wai expressed deep concern, describing the closure as a significant setback for Singapore’s civil society and arts communities.
“I am saddened and shocked to hear that The Projector will cease operations immediately with effect from today,” Leong wrote on Facebook on 19 August.
He highlighted the cinema’s role as “an independent space for ideas to be shared by civil society groups and arts groups,” citing his recent attendance at the Independent Media Fair hosted there as an example.
Leong urged Singaporeans to support local arts and heritage programmes through the SG Culture Pass once it is credited in September, noting that the closure “demonstrates how urgent it is to support the arts and independent civil society organisations in Singapore.”
Open Letter Calls for Support to Preserve The Projector
An open letter from individuals deeply concerned about Singapore’s creative landscape has urged the Ministry to provide targeted support to preserve The Projector.
The letter, accompanied by a public petition, called on the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) to safeguard the cinema as a “Cultural Infrastructure Asset.”
“The Projector is far more than just a private company — it is a cultural infrastructure asset,” the letter stated.
It provides a permanent platform for local and international filmmakers, curates films of historical and cultural significance, and nurtures audiences who engage deeply with the arts.
The letter respectfully urged the authorities to act promptly and consider a meaningful rescue package to preserve this irreplaceable institution, demonstrating that Singapore truly values its arts and creative ecosystem.
The public petition closed on 20 August at 12 pm.
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