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- Straits Times
The Projector cinema closure exposes harsh reality of Singapore's leisure industry
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Film buff Adora Tan, 28, reminiscing her movie experiences at The Projector on Aug 19. She visited the cinema upon receiving news of its closure.
SINGAPORE – It is heartbreaking. From its founding in 2014, I have reported on indie cinema The Projector.
Its sudden closure on Aug 19, with no warning, proves one more rule about the leisure business in Singapore: Hipster credibility is not enough.
The loss of the cinema at Golden Mile Tower does not just mean the loss of a screening venue. It is also the loss of a cultural hub that brought musicians, deejays, comedians and performers of every stripe closer to audiences.
Through its film festivals and other events, it championed causes, from LGBTQ+ to European film to various charities.
It is the loss of a venue that tried to make cinema-going a full night out, complete with a compelling food selection, live music and a bar, with the menu often matched to the films.
Over its 11-year history, The Projector became a brand synonymous with these qualities: cosmopolitan, tasteful, eclectic, cool.
As it turns out, being cool in Singapore – whether the business is noodles, doughnuts, fashion or film screenings – is no guarantee of long-term success. Such is the brutal reality of the leisure industry in Singapore. Being cool or hip means being in a niche.
A sign announcing its closure is seen at The Projector on Aug 19.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
Having a mainstream audience is tough enough. In the past few years, veteran cinema operators like Filmgarde and Eng Wah have exited the business.
Cathay Cineplexes has closed outlets in West Mall, Jem, AMK Hub and others as it tries to pay debts, despite having access to the same blockbusters made available to the industry's biggest players, Golden Village and Shaw.
What is interesting about The Projector's immediate closure on Aug 19 – the same day that it announced it was closing – is how sudden and unexpected it was. Film distributors I spoke to had no idea, and were told only hours before the media statement was sent at noon on Aug 19.
Like me, they had believed that the cinema's loyal core of supporters – many of whom donated money to help it ride out the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions – would keep the place financially stable for years to come.
The underside of a seat in The Projector's cinema hall on Aug 19, bearing the title of the 2005 film Good Night, And Good Luck, which takes on new meaning after the indie cinema announced its sudden closure.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
The only iceberg on the horizon was
the en-bloc sale of its birthplace and current home, Golden Mile Tower. But as the most recent sale talks had ended without a deal, everything looked fine – for a few more months at least.
But as many Gen Z hawkers have found out, social media buzz can take you only so far. For now, all that remains is to tie loose ends.
Membership cardholders will have to wait for liquidators to be appointed before refunds can be processed. There will also be a meeting for the creditors on Aug 29, according to a notice published in the Government Gazette on Aug 19.
As for alternatives, festival and art-house film distributors say they will work with Golden Village and Shaw.
The big players are less risk-averse than The Projector – an award-winning three-hour study of depression might be a financial risk that mainstream cinema chains are not willing to take – but there is wiggle room. And where there is room to negotiate, there is hope.
