Doc Edge, New Zealand’s Oscar®-Qualifying Documentary Festival, Arrives in Singapore
The Singapore Film Society (SFS), the nation’s longest-established cinema organisation, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Doc Edge, Oscar®-Qualifying internationally recognised documentary festival, to launch Doc Edge Singapore.
For two decades, Doc Edge has been the beating heart of Asia-Pacific’s documentary movement — a place where stories of truth, courage, and imagination take centre stage. Now, that spirit is coming to Singapore, a nation that thrives at the crossroads of cultures, ideas, and global exchange.
Kenneth Tan, Chairman of SFS, says: “The time has come for Singapore to have a festival dedicated to documentaries — the conscience of cinema. With Doc Edge Singapore, we are not just showcasing films; we are creating a landmark cultural platform that will spark dialogue, forge collaborations, and place our storytellers firmly on the world stage.”
Alex Lee, Co-Founder and Director of Doc Edge, adds: “Singapore stands at the crossroads of Asia and the world — the ideal stage for documentaries that demand to be seen, debated, and remembered. Doc Edge Singapore is more than a festival; it is the start of a movement in Southeast Asia, amplifying Doc Edge’s role as the Asia-Pacific home for documentary.”
Matthew Metcalfe ONZM, Chairperson of Doc Edge and acclaimed film producer, affirms: “For two decades, Doc Edge has been unwavering in its commitment to building New Zealand’s documentary industry and fostering the diverse voices of our communities.
The launch of Doc Edge Singapore demonstrates the strength, growth and reach of the festival, bringing the world to New Zealand and New Zealand to the world”
A Prelude to the Future
Doc Edge Singapore will launch with a special Preview on 1 December 2025, featuring the Singapore premiere of A Quiet Love by acclaimed Irish filmmaker Garry Keane. On 2 December, Alex Lee will conduct an in-person Masterclass, sharing insights from two decades of championing bold non-fiction storytelling.
The inaugural full festival will follow from 11 to 15 March 2026, hosted at Golden Village cinemas. Audiences can expect a powerful line-up of Oscar®-qualified and award-winning films from New Zealand and around the world, alongside thought-provoking Singaporean and Southeast Asian works. Complementing the screenings will be panels, masterclasses, and industry dialogues designed to ignite exchange and collaboration.—
Why Singapore?
Singapore has long been a trusted bridge between East and West, a hub where culture and commerce intersect. With a thriving festival scene and a media industry eager to internationalise, the launch of Doc Edge Singapore is a natural step — one that promises to cement the nation’s reputation as a thought leader in documentary and cultural diplomacy.
Let’s make Doc Edge Singapore the talk of the town!
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Details of the Preview and 2026 festival programme will be announced in the coming weeks on:
www.singaporefilmsociety.com www.docedge.nz
For media queries or film submissions:
Kenneth Tan Chairman, SFS
Kenneth@singaporefilmsociety.com | (+65) 6622-5821
Alex Lee Director, Doc Edge
alex@docedge.nz | (+64) 21-682868
