The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) has confirmed that Korean film The Assassin(s) will remain the opening title of its 37th edition despite ongoing debate surrounding the movie.
In an official statement released on October 7, SGIFF said it is aware of discussions surrounding the film but will proceed with the scheduled screening.
The festival stated, “SGIFF respects the creative vision of the filmmakers, and The Assassin(s) will remain the opening film of the 37th Singapore International Film Festival.”
According to SGIFF, the movie was selected through its independent programming process based on its artistic achievements and contribution to contemporary Asian cinema.
The festival also highlighted the filmmakers’ explanation that The Assassin(s) combines historical events with fictional characters and situations as part of a cinematic interpretation.
SGIFF said the production team has maintained that the film was not created to establish a historical conclusion, distort facts, or serve a political purpose.
“SGIFF also intends to present the film as a creative work within this context,” the festival said.
The statement comes amid discussion over the film’s treatment of historical and political subject matter. SGIFF did not announce any change to its programming following the controversy.
The Assassin(s) previously had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. According to figures cited by SGIFF from the Korean Film Council, the movie has attracted around 2.5 million admissions in South Korea and recorded approximately a 47% seat occupancy rate during the Chuseok holiday period.
The festival said its broader role is to provide a platform for meaningful films from Singapore, Asia, and other parts of the world while allowing audiences to encounter different stories and perspectives.
For now, SGIFF is standing by its original selection, confirming that The Assassin(s) will continue as the opening film of the 37th Singapore International Film Festival.
