The Screen Goes Dark: Cinema Closures in Singapore’s Quiet Nights

There is magic in the dark—when the lights dim, the hush settles, and a film takes over the silver screen. But lately, that magic has begun to slip away in Singapore. Movie theaters, once bustling anchors of communal escape, are going quiet. Independent cinemas and legacy chains alike are folding, struggling to keep their projectors alight in a world transformed.

Filmgarde Cineplexes, a home-grown cinema operator, recently shut its last outlet at Leisure Park Kallang, officially exiting the cinema business after nearly two decades. Its earlier branches at Bugis+ and Century Square had already closed amid declining attendance and strong competition from streaming platforms. Then there is The Projector, beloved as a home for art-house films, cult retrospectives, and community events. After more than a decade of championing alternative cinema and creating spaces beyond the ordinary, it announced voluntary liquidation as of August 19, 2025. Rising operational costs, changing audience behavior, and a global slump in theater attendance were cited as the insurmountable hurdles. ([Straits Times][2])

Even bigger names are not immune. Cathay Cineplexes, one of Singapore’s long-standing cinema chains, is undergoing voluntary liquidation. In its latest fiscal year, it reported a massive net loss, weighed down by debt, rising rental demands, and low revenues. Outlets have closed as leases expire or are not renewed, and some spaces are being consolidated or shuttered entirely. ([AsiaOne][3])

These closures are more than business failures—they are cultural tremors. Cinemas are not just venues for watching films; they are meeting places, memory-makers, stages for shared laughter and collective gasps. When these venues disappear, so do the rituals of walk-ups with popcorn, late-night premieres, and the spontaneous intimacy of strangers in darkness.

Several factors converge in this crisis. The pandemic accelerated decline in attendance. Streaming services grew more dominant, allowing people to opt out of leaving home. Rising rentals, maintenance, staff costs, and the price of film licensing have squeezed margins. For indie cinemas, these pressures are especially acute: they often lack deep pockets, rely on niche audiences, and must compete with both multiplex blockbusters and global streaming giants.

Yet there is talk of pivots. Some cinemas are trying new models: focusing on curated experiences, live events, or hybrid content. Others are retreating to fewer locations, emphasizing premium offerings or community sponsorships. But many say the margins are too thin, while landlords and landlords’ expectations remain fixed.

In summary, Singapore’s cinema industry is undergoing a serious contraction. Independent venues such as The Projector have ceased operations, and major chains like Cathay Cineplexes are entering voluntary liquidation. Filmgarde has exited the scene entirely. Observers point to a combination of declining ticket sales, rising costs, and changed consumer preferences as key reasons behind these closures.

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## Sources

• The Straits Times

• The Business Times

• AsiaOne

• Mothership SG

• Marketing-Interactive