The Final Curtain: The Projector Closes After a Decade of Culture and Cinema

circular connection
Aug 19
2 min read

Singapore’s iconic indie cinema shuttered abruptly on 19 August, leaving a cultural void and sparking fresh questions about the future of alternative arts spaces in the city.

Woman stands with a cat on her shoulder in a shop. A sign reads "FIN." Trees visible through a window. Brochures and catalogues displayed.

Singapore’s independent arts scene has just lost one of its brightest lights. After ten years of screening indie films, hosting vintage markets, and nurturing community-led programming, The Projector will officially close its doors. The sudden closure was announced just weeks after its surprise comeback plan to resume screenings at Golden Mile Tower, where it first began in 2014.

Magazine open to a page on "Golden Age" cinema with an image of a retro theater. Text details the venue's features and upcoming screenings.

Image: Facebook/The Projector

The Projector stood apart for its curated selection of award-winning films, underground classics, and socially conscious storytelling. It wasn’t just a cinema — it was a cultural meeting point. From poetry slams to fundraisers, the space became a vibrant patchwork of expression.

Empty retro-style cafe with string lights, geometric pattern counter, and menu boards. Few people behind counter. Relaxed atmosphere.

Image: Google Maps/The Projector at Golden Mile Tower

But the challenges of running an independent cinema in Singapore proved overwhelming. Soaring operating costs, changing viewing habits, and a global drop in cinema-goers finally forced The Projector into voluntary liquidation. Its closure appears to be part of a broader shift in the arts and entertainment landscape, where independent spaces struggle for sustainability in a commercialized environment.

Empty theater with colorful bean bags, lit stage with four stools. Screen displays "Hooks 2049" event details. Blue lighting sets mood.

Image: Google Maps/CheeWee Chua

So what remains for those who crave the offbeat and the bold?

While mainstream multiplexes such as Golden Village and Cathay Cineplexes dominate the scene, a few smaller venues still carry the indie torch. The National Gallery’s ArtScience Cinema continues to host themed film series. Oldham Theatre, run by the Asian Film Archive, is another key player for archival and regional film programming. Film festivals like SGIFF and Perspectives Film Festival remain essential dates on the calendar for cinephiles.

Still, The Projector’s closure serves as another wake-up call — not just for film lovers, but for all who value cultural spaces that thrive on diversity and creativity. As Singapore moves forward, the challenge will be finding new ways to support and sustain the unconventional, the experimental, and the essential.

The Projector - Key Closure Details: