If you have ever wanted to see a restored Singapore classic, a 1960s Malay melodrama or a cult Hong Kong film on a proper screen, the Asian Film Archive is where to look. It is a non-profit organisation that collects, preserves and restores films from Singapore and the wider Asian region, and it shares them with the public through regular screenings, talks and programmes at its own cinema, the Oldham Theatre.
This guide explains what the Asian Film Archive does, what kind of screenings to expect, how to book, how to get there, and how researchers and curious film fans can go deeper into the collection. Programmes, ticket prices and opening arrangements change from season to season, so always check the archive’s official website before you go.
What the Asian Film Archive Does
The Asian Film Archive, often shortened to AFA, was set up to make sure Asian cinema, and Singapore cinema in particular, is not lost. Much of the region’s film heritage survives only on fragile film prints or old tapes that degrade with time and tropical humidity. The archive’s work falls into a few broad areas:
- Collecting and preserving films, along with related materials such as posters, scripts and production documents.
- Restoring selected titles, sometimes in partnership with filmmakers or other archives, so they can be shown again in good quality.
- Programming screenings, retrospectives and themed series that put older and lesser-seen works in front of today’s audiences.
- Education and research, including talks, workshops and access to the collection for students and researchers.
That mission is what makes it different from a commercial cinema. You are not going for the latest blockbuster. You are going to see films that may be hard or impossible to watch anywhere else, usually with some context about why they matter.
What Screens at the Oldham Theatre
The Oldham Theatre is the archive’s dedicated cinema, a small and comfortable hall designed for focused viewing. Its programme typically mixes several kinds of screenings:
- Retrospectives devoted to a single director, actor or studio, showing a body of work over several weeks.
- Themed series built around a subject, a decade or a region, for example films about cities, migration, or a particular national cinema.
- Restored classics, including Singapore and Malayan films from the studio era, often presented after the archive or its partners have completed restoration work.
- Contemporary independent films from Singapore and across Asia, including short film programmes.
- Talks and post-screening discussions with filmmakers, critics or researchers. If you enjoy these, our guide on how to join a film screening Q&A has tips for making the most of them.
Many screenings carry film classification ratings, and age restrictions apply to rated titles, so bring ID if a film is rated for adults. Films are commonly shown in their original language with English subtitles, but check the listing for each title.
| Option | Asian Film Archive at Oldham Theatre | Commercial multiplex |
|---|---|---|
| What is shown | Restored classics, retrospectives, indie and regional Asian films | Mainly new commercial releases |
| Programming style | Curated seasons with context, talks and notes | Release schedule driven by distributors |
| Audience vibe | Small, attentive, often film lovers and students | Large halls, broad general audience |
| Where to find listings | The archive’s own website and social channels | Cinema chain apps and ticketing sites |
| Best for | Discovering film history and rare titles | Catching the latest blockbuster |
Booking Tickets and Planning Your Visit
Screenings are listed on the Asian Film Archive’s official website, usually organised by programme season. A few practical points:
- Book ahead for popular titles. The theatre is small, and restored classics, director talks and opening nights can sell out.
- Check whether a session is free or ticketed. Some programmes and talks are free with registration, while others are ticketed. Prices and concession options, if any, are stated on each listing and can change.
- Read the programme notes. Listings often include running time, language, subtitles and rating. Older films can be long, and double bills are common in retrospectives.
- Arrive early. Latecomers may have limited options for seating once a film has started, and the house rules are set by the venue.
- Follow the archive on social media or its mailing list to hear about new seasons before they fill up.
Getting There and What Is Nearby
The Oldham Theatre is located within the National Archives of Singapore building at Canning Rise, at the edge of Fort Canning Park. Confirm the current address and entrance on the Asian Film Archive website before your first visit, as signage can be easy to miss.
The area is well served by public transport. Several MRT stations in the city centre, including those around the Dhoby Ghaut, City Hall, Bras Basah and Fort Canning areas, are within walking distance, though the last stretch can involve a slope. Plan your route on a journey planner app.
Because of the location, a screening fits nicely into a day in the civic and museum district:
- Pair a matinee with an afternoon at the Asian Civilisations Museum or a walk through Fort Canning Park.
- If you are curious about the building itself, our guide to the National Archives of Singapore explains what else you can explore there.
- For dinner, the Bras Basah, Dhoby Ghaut and Clarke Quay areas all have plenty of options within a short walk or ride.
Using the Archive for Research and Deeper Viewing
Beyond public screenings, the Asian Film Archive supports people who want to study film more seriously. Students, filmmakers, writers and researchers can ask about viewing films or materials from the collection for study purposes. Access arrangements, such as appointments, viewing rules and which titles are available, depend on rights and preservation status, so contact the archive through its website to ask about the current process.
Other ways to engage:
- Talks, workshops and education programmes for schools and the public, on topics ranging from film history to film preservation.
- Publications and online resources that accompany major retrospectives and restorations.
- Volunteering or supporting the archive, which as a non-profit relies partly on donations, memberships or sponsorship. Check the website for current ways to get involved.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you are new to archive cinema, a few tips make the experience better:
- Start with a restored Singapore classic. It is the clearest way to see what the archive does and why it matters, and older local films are often a revelation to younger viewers and newcomers alike.
- Try a short film programme if you are unsure about committing to a long feature from an unfamiliar era.
- Stay for the talk when there is one. Hearing a restorer or filmmaker explain the background adds a lot.
- Bring a light jacket. Like most cinemas in Singapore, the air conditioning can be cold.
- Treat it as a theatre, not a lounge. Phones off, no talking, and check the venue’s rules on food and drink.
- Explore related cinema. If you love what you see, our guide to anime and Asian cinema in Singapore points to other places to watch Asian films.
The Asian Film Archive is one of Singapore’s quieter cultural treasures. A single evening at the Oldham Theatre can introduce you to filmmakers, stars and stories that rarely appear anywhere else, and it is a rewarding way to understand the region’s history through its cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists and non-residents attend Asian Film Archive screenings? Yes, screenings are open to the public, and ticket availability matters more than nationality. Check the website for the current programme and booking steps. Films are commonly shown with English subtitles, which helps visitors, though subtitle details are on each listing.
Are the screenings suitable for children and families? It depends on the film. Many titles carry classification ratings with age limits, so check the rating on each listing, and bring ID for adult-rated films. Some seasons or events may suit families better, so look at the programme notes before booking.
Is the Oldham Theatre accessible for wheelchair users and seniors? Venue facilities can change, so confirm step-free access, seating and the best entrance on the archive’s website or by contacting them before you go. Note that the walk from some MRT stations includes a slope, so consider a taxi or drop-off if mobility is a concern.
Can I donate old films or film materials to the archive? The archive collects films and related materials, so it is worth contacting them through the website before throwing anything away. Rights, condition and relevance affect what it can accept, so ask about the current process rather than sending items unannounced.
Can I watch the archive’s films from home instead of in the cinema? Some programmes or resources may be available online, but the archive’s main public offering is screenings at the Oldham Theatre. Check its website and social channels for current online access, and ask about research viewing if you need a title for study.
Further reading: Getting Into Silent Films