The Projector to close Golden Mile Tower cinema after a decade of operations
Singapore’s iconic independent cinema The Projector will shut its Golden Mile Tower outlet on 19 August 2025, ending a ten-year run that redefined local film culture. The closure follows the winding down of its Cineleisure Orchard outlet earlier in the month.
- The Projector will close its final outlet at Golden Mile Tower on 19 August 2025 after ten years in operation.
- The independent cinema will enter voluntary liquidation amid rising costs and shifts in audience behaviour.
- The Projector leaves behind a strong cultural legacy, having hosted film festivals, arts events, and alternative screenings.
SINGAPORE — The Projector will close its doors at Golden Mile Tower on 19 August 2025, marking the end of an era for Singapore’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.
A cultural hub for film and the arts
Since its opening in 2014, The Projector has built a reputation as more than just a cinema.
It became a cultural hub, hosting film festivals such as the Singapore International Film Festival, the European Film Festival, and Pink Screen.
Beyond films, the venue also offered poetry slams, vintage markets, and charity events, carving out a niche as a gathering space for Singapore’s creative and activist communities.
The Projector was recognised for championing alternative and international cinema while providing a platform for emerging local filmmakers and arts collectives.
Rising costs and industry pressures
Despite its cultural success, management acknowledged that financial sustainability had become increasingly difficult.
In a 19 August statement, the company said the realities of the cinema industry, rising costs, and global shifts in viewing habits have made the independent model challenging to maintain.
“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,” the management wrote.
According to The Straits Times, The Projector had already scaled down operations at Golden Mile Tower from May 2025, moving away from daily screenings to focus on event-based programming such as interactive film sessions, live music showcases, and venue rentals.
Strategic pivot could not save operations
Co-founder Karen Tan described these changes as a strategic attempt to future-proof the business and adapt to shifting audience behaviour.
However, despite the pivot, both its Golden Mile and Cineleisure Orchard operations have now come to an end.
The closure also signals the loss of one of Singapore’s few independent screening venues capable of showing non-mainstream films and hosting experimental performances.
Legacy of The Projector
Over its ten years of operation, The Projector helped cultivate a distinct film-going culture in Singapore, bringing together cinephiles, artists, and activists under one roof.
Its retro-themed décor, curated film selections, and commitment to inclusivity made it a landmark in the local arts scene.
Many within the community have expressed sadness over its closure, describing it as a major cultural loss for Singapore.
The Projector’s final screenings at Golden Mile Tower will take place on 18 and 19 August, closing with a programme celebrating its most popular films and community events from the past decade.
