What do you get when you mix the best of French artistry with Singaporean creativity? vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2025, of course! But this year, it isn’t just another event; it’s a testament to the 60 years of France-Singapore relations, presented by the Embassy of France in Singapore.
Since gaining independence six decades ago, Singapore has nurtured strong diplomatic and cultural ties with France – bonds that have shaped and inspired both nations in powerful ways.
This year’s vOilah! festival serves a rich spread of experiences in visual arts, performing arts, music, cinema, and literature. But more than that, it’s a beautiful reminder that art knows no borders. So, here’s what you can expect!
vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2025
The festival kicks off with City of Others: Asian Artists in Paris, 1920s–1940s at the National Gallery Singapore. This exhibition rewrites the art history books, moving the spotlight from the usual European greats to the Asian artists who made waves in interwar Paris. Featuring over 200 artworks and another 200 archival pieces, it’s an opportunity to see how Eastern and Western influences met on canvas nearly a century ago.
If you prefer art that feels more personal, Two Rivers by Melisa Teo might be more up your alley. This Singaporean photographer draws a poetic connection between the Seine and the Singapore River, exploring memory, time, and the fluidity of identity. The exhibition debuts on the historic Anderson Bridge – making it the first of its kind there – before moving to VivoCity’s Waterfront Promenade in June.
Across the lens, Singapore-based French photographer Nicolas Damiens captures the spirit of Singapore in his photo series CITY SingaPOP, an ode to our Lion City’s architecture and culture. Presented at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, the exhibition bursts with striking compositions and colours, capturing the essence of Singapore’s eternal summer while offering a glimpse into Nicolas’ personal experience of living in the city.
But art isn’t just something you hang on a wall, is it? vOilah! 2025 brings the spirit of France to Singapore’s stages, starting with A French Kiss in Singapore, a lively musical revue and tribute to iconic French hits! Expect classics like Le Moribond (Seasons in the Sun) by Jacques Brel and La Mer (Somewhere Beyond the Sea) by Charles Trenet – performed by local acts, including Hossan Leong and Andrew Marko.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Lyric Opera reimagines Bizet’s Carmen in a uniquely Singaporean setting, adding a fresh twist to this tale of passion and fate! And to my opera fans, you’ll want to sit up for this. Médée is also set to take the stage, bringing the talents of Singapore’s Red Dot Baroque and Burgundy-based Les Epopées together to breathe new life into Charpentier’s opera.
If you’re in the mood for something outdoors, Les Arts in Nature at Gardens by the Bay offers a stunning fusion of classical music and lush greenery, with live performances of Baroque masterpieces set against one of Singapore’s most famous landscapes.
On the film front, vOilah! 2025 brings something for everyone. Fancy an adventure? Les Arts in Nature at Gardens by the Bay also features a special screening of Autumn and the Black Jaguar, taking audiences on an Amazonian journey and shedding light on environmental conservation. Looking for a family-friendly outing? Head to Sentosa for a beachfront screening of Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir.
And for a touch of nostalgia, catch Bambi: A Tale of Life in the Woods, France’s take on the well-loved classic, screening as part of the European Union Film Festival!
No festival is complete without a show-stopping finale, and Fills Monkey’s We Will Drum You is set to wrap it all up with a bang. This is an energetic 90-minute mix of music, comedy, and percussion thrown together that’ll have you grooving with a grin on your face! If you’re looking for a fun night out, this event at the Esplanade is one you won’t want to miss.
Be Part of the Celebration!
With 20 diverse programmes spanning art, music, theatre, and film, vOilah! 2025 is quite the experience! This is your chance to immerse yourself in a fresh cultural exchange, so gather your loved ones and get ready to explore this creative synergy between France and Singapore, running from 23 April to 8 June 2025.
For full programme details and ticketing information, make your way to the festival’s official website. Have fun!
Visuals Courtesy of vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2025, Autumn and the Black Jaguar, The Singapore Lyric Opera Limited, Melisa Teo, National Gallery Singapore, and Sing’theatre.
