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If there’s one thing I’ll always say yes to, it’s anything that brings together art, culture, and a little touch of magic. And this year’s vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2025 ticks all those boxes and more. I’m honestly still buzzing after going through the dynamic lineup of 20 programmes. It’s a full-blown celebration of 60 years of France-Singapore diplomatic ties, but more than that, it feels like a creative playground for anyone who loves the arts. vOilah! brings together a diverse line-up of artistic and cultural experiences that is elevated through France-Singapore collaborations, offering locals opportunities to explore new perspectives in visual arts, performing arts, music, cinema, and literature.
From 23 April to 8 June, the city is turning into a beautiful blend of French charm and Singaporean soul, and I cannot wait to experience it with you.
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| 'City of Others: Asian Artists in Paris, 1920s–1940s’ at National Gallery Singapore delves into the stories of how Asian artists lived, worked, and exhibited in Paris. Image credit: Installation view, City of Others: Asian Artists in Paris, 1920s–1940s, National Gallery Singapore, 2025 |
Let’s Talk Art (because I always do)
First up, if you're like me and your heart skips a beat at the sight of a good exhibition, you have to check out City of Others: Asia Artists in Paris, 1920s - 1940s at the National Gallery. It’s the first major show focused on Asian artists in Paris at that period, and it’s absolutely packed with over 200 artworks, archives, and stories. I love exhibitions that flip the script and tell untold stories, and this one does just that. You’ll walk out seeing Paris (and perhaps even Asia) in a whole new light.
Empress Place, Singapore, 2024, by Singaporean photographer Melisa Teo.
Image Credit: Melisa Teo
Image Credit: Melisa Teo
Now, for something a little more poetic. Photographer Melisa Teo’s Two Rivers is such a beautiful, thoughtful project. She draws this gentle connection between Paris' Seine and the Singapore River, weaving in themes of memory, dreams, and time. It’s debuting right along Anderson Bridge. Yes, on the actual bridge! I cannot wait to wander through the space and let the visuals wash over me.
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| The Trees of Paris by Melisa Teo. Image Credit: Melisa Teo |
Oh, and if you're already enchanted by Melisa Teo’s poetic eye, there’s more to look forward to. She’ll also be showcasing another exhibition at the Fullerton Hotel, this time turning her lens toward the quiet strength of Parisian trees. It’s a beautiful tribute to the city’s natural soul — the trunks, leaves, and roots that have silently witnessed centuries of history. Through her work, Melisa invites us to slow down and connect with nature in a deeper, more mindful way. It’s a fresh and reflective look at the spiritual bond between people and the green guardians of the city.
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Image Credit: Nicolas Damiens
And if you're a fan of bold colors and graphic style (hello, Instagram dream), don’t miss CITY SingaPOP by French designer and photographer Nicolas Damiens. His take on Singapore is so vibrant, it makes everyday sights feel brand new. His work will be at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, and I’m already planning my second visit.
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| A celebration of Wifredo Lam's print works. Image credit: Wilfredo Lam Estate |
vOilah! 2025 also features Wifredo Lam: Outside In, the first major solo presentation of Lam’s work in Singapore before a first retrospective exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art in New York at the end of the year.
A French Kiss In Singapore by Sing’theatre.
Image Credit: Sing'theatre
Image Credit: Sing'theatre
Theatre, Music, and Some Serious Vibes
This year’s performances are a total mood. A French Kiss in Singapore by Sing’theatre is at the top of my list. It’s a musical tribute to French classics, sung in English by our amazing local talents like Hossan Leong , Andrew Marko, Dwayne Lau, Amin Alifin, and Rino Junior John. You’ll be humming La Mer (Somewhere Beyond the Sea) for days.
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| Carmen, opera in four acts by Georges Bizet. Image credit: The Singapore Lyric Opera Limited |
If opera is your thing (or if you’ve always been curious), Singapore Lyric Opera is putting on a reimagined version of Carmen by Georges Bizet, set in Singapore’s golden era and featuring not one but three celebrated French opera singers. I mean, how often do you get to see that?
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| Médée., the the Baroque Opera will be playing at the Esplanade Recital Studio. Image Credit: Moonrise Studio |
And here’s something really special. Médée is a Baroque opera that’s being brought to life by French (Burgundy-based Les Epopées) and Singaporean performers (Singapore Red Dot Baroque) working side by side in a striking collaboration with The Opera People. It’s haunting, dramatic, and rich with emotion. The kind of performance that stays with you.
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| Les Arts in Nature at Gardens by the Bay. Image credit: Autumn and the Black Jaguar |
One more for the dreamers: Les Arts in Nature at Gardens by the Bay. It’s a free outdoor concert featuring classical French music performed by Les Épopées, and it’s surrounded by the Garden’s gorgeous greenery. Add a picnic, a friend, and maybe a little rosé, and you’ve got the perfect evening, whilst listening to the works of renowned French composers Marais, Couperin, and Charpentier.
Movie by the Beach.
Image credit: Sentosa.jpg
Image credit: Sentosa.jpg
Lights, Camera, More Culture
Movie nights are getting a glow-up during the festival. If you’ve got little ones (or you’re just a big fan of animated fun like me), head over to Sentosa for a free beachfront screening of Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir. Total feel-good vibes.
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| Bambi: A Tale of Life in the Woods at the European Film Festival. Image credit: Florian Alzay |
And for something deeper, Bambi: A Tale of Life in the Woods is making its way to the European Union Film Festival. It’s a French take on the classic story, and I hear it’s both nostalgic and fresh. There’s also Autumn and the Black Jaguar by French filmmaker Gilles de Maistre, which is being screened as part of the Les Arts in Nature event. A visually stunning film with an important message about our planet as we're brought on a cinematic journey through the Amazon.
We Will Drum You by Fills Monkey.
Image credit: Fills Monkey
Image credit: Fills Monkey
Closing With a Bang (Literally)
Okay, if you love a good drum solo, or if you’ve got kids who love high-energy shows, you have to catch Fills Monkey and their show We Will Drum You. It’s funny, loud, super engaging, and just the perfect feel-good finale for the festival. It’s happening at Esplanade, and it’s the kind of thing that gets everyone up on their feet.
Transformations by Olé Khamchanla.
Image credit: B. Becker
Image credit: B. Becker
Why I’m So Excited (and You Should Be Too)
What I love most about vOilah! is how it feels so personal. It’s not just about showing off French culture. It’s about the exchange. The conversation. The in-between spaces where two cultures meet and inspire each other. This year, the festival feels especially meaningful, celebrating 60 years of friendship between France and Singapore. That’s six decades of influence, connection, and creative sparks flying.
Whether you’re into galleries, theatre, outdoor concerts, or just looking for a new way to spend a sunny weekend, vOilah! 2025 is a gift. So go out there, try something new, and soak it all in.
Hope to see you at the events and À bientôt!
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vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2025
📅 23 April - 8 June 2025
@voilahsg | #voilah
