Singapore Film Festival 2025 Sees Major Wins for ‘Always’ and ‘Riverstone’, Boosting Asian Cinema’s Global Recognition and Impact on Tourism: Check It Out Now

Published on December 8, 2025

The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) 2025 has wrapped up with two films, Always and Riverstone, taking home the top prizes at the Silver Screen Awards, marking a significant moment for Asian cinema on the global stage. The film festival, a showcase of international films, celebrated the immense talent and creativity that continues to come from the Asian continent, underscoring the growing recognition and influence of Asian filmmakers in the world of cinema.

The SGIFF 2025 highlighted the expanding borders of Asian cinema, demonstrating how films from the region are crossing cultural and geographical boundaries, winning awards at major festivals, and influencing the global film industry. Not only did these films take home prestigious awards, but they also drew attention to how cultural events like the Singapore Film Festival are increasingly attracting global audiences and impacting tourism in the region.

The Victory of ‘Always’ at the Singapore Film Festival 2025

At the SGIFF 2025, the film Always, directed by Chen Deming, claimed the top prize in the Asian Feature Film Competition, marking a notable moment in the festival’s history. The film, a co-production between the U.S., France, China, and Taiwan, clinched the Best Asian Feature Film honor, a win that not only celebrates the film’s artistic merit but also highlights the increasingly international nature of Asian cinema.

The global reach of Asian films has been growing, and Always is a prime example of this trend. With its international collaboration, the film is a testament to the blending of cultures and styles within the Asian cinema landscape. This win at the Singapore Film Festival further cements the global influence of Asian filmmakers in the modern cinema world, as well as the growing tourism and cultural exchange between countries through cinematic collaborations.

Film festivals like SGIFF serve as key cultural platforms where filmmakers from various parts of the world can showcase their work to international audiences. The festival draws global tourists who not only attend to watch films but also participate in a larger cultural exchange that increases interest in the region’s culture, history, and attractions. The recognition of films like Always reinforces the importance of film festivals in building a strong tourism ecosystem, where the global audience’s interest is piqued, and cultural tourism flourishes.

‘Riverstone’ and the Rise of Sri Lankan Cinema

Another major winner of the evening was Riverstone, a Sri Lankan film that earned several prestigious accolades at the SGIFF 2025. Directed by Lalith Rathnayake, the film not only won Best Director but also earned Best Performance honors for its lead actor Mahendra Perera. This victory marked a significant milestone for Sri Lankan cinema, placing it on the global map alongside other powerhouse Asian industries such as Indian and Chinese cinema.

Riverstone’s triumph at the SGIFF is a clear indication of the growing global interest in Sri Lankan cinema. With its emotional storytelling and authentic cultural depiction, Riverstone adds to the growing recognition of Sri Lanka’s filmmaking and its potential to become a significant player in global cinema. The win at the festival brings attention to Sri Lanka as not only a travel destination with rich cultural and natural heritage but also as a place where cinematic innovation is flourishing.

For tourism in Sri Lanka, this success has the potential to have a far-reaching effect. With the world paying more attention to the country’s burgeoning film industry, tourists may be more inclined to visit Sri Lanka’s cinematic landmarks, discover locations featured in the film, and experience the country’s beautiful landscapes. The success of Riverstone further underscores the role of film tourism as an increasingly important aspect of a country’s cultural economy.

The Impact of Asian Cinema on Global Tourism

The SGIFF 2025 also provided a platform for other notable films like Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit’s Human Resource, a Thai film that received the Fipresci Award and is continuing its run after being featured at Venice. The recognition of films like Human Resource adds a new dimension to Thai cinema’s international visibility, which could positively impact tourism in Thailand. By winning awards at international festivals, these films attract not just film lovers but also tourists seeking to connect with Thailand’s rich cultural offerings, especially in regions featured in the films.

The recognition of Thai cinema at prestigious festivals adds a new layer to tourism marketing, where visitors are not just drawn to the country’s beautiful beaches or vibrant cities but are increasingly interested in the country’s film culture. The success of Human Resource highlights the cultural diplomacy that cinema can offer, opening new doors for cultural tourism.

The Role of Film Festivals in Promoting Destination Tourism

Film festivals like SGIFF 2025 are increasingly important in fostering destination tourism. These events bring together filmmakers, critics, and audiences from all over the world, creating a global platform for the exchange of ideas, culture, and experiences. The rise in film tourism is a growing phenomenon where tourists seek out destinations featured in films or where certain festivals are held, and the Singapore Film Festival is no exception.

In addition to showcasing films, festivals like SGIFF are a significant aspect of destination branding. They offer tourists an opportunity to experience not only films but also the local culture of the region. With its vibrant festival atmosphere, SGIFF 2025 proved to be an excellent example of how film festivals contribute to the local economy, bring together people from various countries, and elevate destination tourism to new heights.

A Diverse Array of Global Film Representations

The SGIFF 2025 featured films from a variety of Asian countries, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Asian cinema. For example, Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke’s A Useful Ghost, a co-production between Thailand, Singapore, and France, received a special mention in the Asian Feature Film Competition. This special recognition highlights how collaborative filmmaking between countries is increasingly gaining traction, not only enhancing the creative quality of films but also raising awareness of multiple cultures.

These collaborations bring together the best of global cinema, increasing the appeal of films and festivals as important cultural tourism events. When countries co-produce films, they create opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, and this has a direct effect on tourism. Travelers interested in the countries involved in these collaborative films may be motivated to visit and explore the regions, enriching the tourism economy of each participating country.

The Growing Influence of Film on Cultural and Destination Tourism

The SGIFF 2025 underscored the increasing importance of cultural festivals, particularly film festivals, in destination marketing. The success of films like Always and Riverstone is proof of the growing global interest in Asian cinema and its ability to act as a powerful catalyst for tourism. As more films gain international recognition, they create opportunities for cultural tourism, where travelers can visit destinations seen on screen and engage with the cultures represented.

For Singapore, the festival has proven to be a key event that draws both tourists and filmmakers from around the world. As these films continue to gain recognition on the international stage, the tourism sector benefits from an influx of people eager to experience the local culture and the backdrop to the films that have caught their attention.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Asian Cinema and Tourism

The SGIFF 2025 highlighted the continued growth of Asian cinema on the global stage, with ‘Always’ and ‘Riverstone’ emerging as major winners. These films, along with others from the region, are reshaping the landscape of global cinema and tourism. As Asian films gain recognition at international festivals, the tourism industry stands to benefit from the rising interest in film tourism, with more travelers seeking to explore the cultural and cinematic locations featured in these award-winning films.

With the growing influence of film festivals in promoting destination tourism, the future of both the film industry and tourism looks promising. As more countries embrace the power of cinema, cultural tourism will continue to thrive, creating a mutually beneficial relationship between film, culture, and travel.