Where to catch free movies in Singapore
Nobody needs telling this, but movie tickets – and everything else in Singapore, in fact – are getting pricier year after year. Thankfully, there are now more places and events with free screenings. Here’s where all you film buffs and closet cheapskates (no judgment!) can head to this month for your cinematic fix without forking out a dime, for the movie at least.
For classic & current crowd favourites
DBS Movies By The Bay
These monthly outdoor movie screenings are a big hit, especially with Singapore’s glittery nightscape as a backdrop. Past movies screened includes Hollywood blockbusters like Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Man of Steel. In celebration of National Day, two homegrown flicks, Ilo Ilo and Ah Boys To Men 2, will be shown at The Promontory @ Marina Bay this 15 to 16 August. Don’t forget to download a coupon off their Facebook page for free popcorn (limited to the first 100 redemptions).
DBS Movies By The Bay, Promontory @ Marina Bay, 11 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018940.
Screening Room
This cosy lounge space on Ann Siang Hill, one of our favorite spots for after-work tipples and some on-screen action, is paying tribute to the gorgeous Marilyn Monroe this month. Catch some of her most famous works, including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot free, when you make a $15++ food/beverage purchase at the Theatre bar or off the Screen Cuisine Menu. Call or email to reserve your spots.
Screening Room, 12 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069692, p. 6221 1694, e. [email protected].
Screening Room
National Library Board
They have gotten much flack for banning a series of gay-themed childrens’ books recently, but don’t boycott the National Library Board just yet. Secure a seat for Kung Fu Panda 2 and other family-friendly movies like Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader at various public libraries around the island. Limited seats are available, so head down early.
National Library Board, various locations, p. 6332 3255, e. [email protected].
Changi Airport
Here’s another reason to check in early: Terminal 2’s departure lounge airs shows from Fox Movies Premium Channel near the sunflower garden at Departure Transit Lounge South, and Terminal 3 has a movie theatre located near the Ambassador Transit Lounge at Departure Transit Lounge North. Try not to miss your flight!
Changi Airport Terminals 2 and 3, Airport Boulevard, Singapore 918146, p. 6595 6868, e. [email protected].
For artsy/indie flicks
National Museum of Singapore
Iconic films are the focus of the museum’s Under the Banyan Tree: Open Air Cinema programme. Pack your picnic mats, a bottle of vino, and any rainy-weather gear just in case for these upcoming shows: time-travel romcom He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Father on 27 September 2014 and horror-licious Tourist Trap on 25 October 2014.
National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897, p. 6332 3659, e. [email protected].
The Arts House
The Society for Cult and Underground Movies (SCUM Cinema), a Singapore-based collective of film fanatics, has partnered with The Arts House to hold bi-monthly free screenings of cult classics in its 75-seater theatrette. On 29 August 2014, catch R-rated Cantonese flick Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky, about a martial artist struggling to survive in a futuristic prison. Email [email protected] to register.
The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane Singapore 179429, p. 6332 6900, e. [email protected].
For films with local flavour
The Substation
Up-and-coming local filmmakers take the spotlight in The Substation’s First Take event, which takes place on the first Monday of every month. Four interesting depictions on life in our little red dot – including a film on the foreign workers’ industry – will be shown on 16 August 2014. Admission is free, but donations are (more than) welcome. Note: screenings are now held at Lasalle College of the Arts due to construction work in the area.
The Substation, 45 Armenian Street, Singapore 179936, p. 6337 7535, e. [email protected].
Objectifs
Besides offering photography and filmmaking courses and serving as an international short film distributor in the region, the visual arts centre also does rooftop movie screenings as part of its Watch Local programme. No film screenings are taking place this month (boo!), but keep your eyes peeled for updates on their website or Facebook page.
Objectifs, 56A Arab St, Singapore 199753, p. 6293 9782, e. [email protected].
Main image: DBS Movies By The Bay