
Turning 10 is a big deal. For The Projector, it’s a celebration of a decade spent redefining Singapore’s movie-going experience. Founded in 2014 by former bankers, Karen Tan and Blaise Trigg-Smith, as well as Tan’s sister Sharon (who stepped down in 2019), this isn’t just another movie theatre—it’s Singapore’s ultimate destination for sub-culture films.
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It all started with a dream to rescue the historic Golden Mile Tower cinema and turn it into a hotspot for alternative films. Today, The Projector has blossomed into a creative oasis, complete with movie screenings, live events, and an inclusive vibe that’s pure magic. From cult classics and independent films to vogueing workshops and comedy nights, The Projector’s eclectic programming has made it a cultural landmark.
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Even with challenges like the redevelopment of Golden Mile Tower and Covid-19, they didn’t just survive—they thrived. By rolling out pop-ups like Projector X and opening a second permanent space at Cineleisure in 2024, they’ve shown that passion and community can overcome anything.
Now, as they toast to a decade of cinema, The Projector isn’t just looking back. They’re gearing up for even more—big ideas, bold stories, and lots of reasons to grab your friends and make memories. In this exclusive interview, Karen reflects on the highs, the lows, and the dreams that have shaped this indie haven, as well as her vision for the future.
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Looking back on 10 years, how does it feel to have reached this milestone?
It’s been a journey marked by both challenges and successes, filled with hard work and memorable moments. We are deeply grateful to our audience and everyone who has supported us along the way. It’s rewarding to see how The Projector has evolved and become a place that people care about. Knowing that we’ve built something meaningful that makes a difference is what keeps us going.
When you started The Projector, what were your biggest hopes, and how have they evolved?
We started The Projector to showcase films beyond the mainstream in a welcoming space with good food, and a community spirit. Over time, it’s become a venue where culture and community converge through films, live performances, and events. While our core idea remains, we’ve adapted to our audience’s ever-evolving tastes, and the challenges of running an independent cultural space in Singapore.

What role do you think The Projector has played in shaping Singapore’s cultural and creative landscape?
The Projector has played a key role in bringing independent cinema to the forefront of Singapore’s cultural scene and we’ve also supported and showcased local talents. Beyond films, we’ve become a vibrant space for live performances, discussions, and creative collaborations, helping to foster a sense of community and offering a platform for underrepresented voices.

What challenges have you faced as an independent cinema, and how have you overcome them?
One of our biggest challenges has been the constant threat of en bloc at our original home, Golden Mile Tower, which would have left us without a venue and forced us to shut down. After years of searching for a backup location, we opened our second site at Cineleisure last year. Operating in Orchard isn’t easy, given the high costs, but it proved to be a necessary move—Golden Mile Tower is now undergoing the en bloc process, and a sale is likely imminent.
Operating as an independent cinema has always been challenging, and it continues to be so. From day one, we diversified our revenue streams by not just being a cinema, but also a bar and events space. This allowed us to build a more sustainable model, but challenges remain. Post-Covid, we’re dealing with inflation and a contraction in consumer spending. The broader cinema landscape is facing headwinds from streaming services and the constant influx of online content competing for people’s attention.
Singapore remains a tough environment for creative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with high manpower costs, expensive rents, and a pro-landlord market dynamic. Another challenge is that, despite being around for 10 years, there are still people who haven’t heard of us. We’ll be ramping up our marketing efforts to reach new audiences and expand our community further. Please visit us more often and tell your friends!

How do you curate your programming, and what has resonated most with your audience?
Our programming showcases diverse voices and stories that inspire new perspectives. Our amazing team curates a wide range of content, from film festivals and documentaries to cult classics and recorded theatre performances, while supporting local films with extended runs. We've also expanded into live events like stand-up comedy, story slams, and music, broadening the cultural experience we offer.
Inclusivity is a big part of The Projector’s identity. Tell us more about it.
We’ve become a home for communities ranging from crypto enthusiasts and animal charities to independent media. By embracing diverse interests, The Projector has grown into a dynamic space where people connect, fostering a strong and engaged community, and becoming an integral part of Singapore’s cultural scene.
What’s been the most unforgettable event or screening that defines The Projector’s vibe?
A memorable event was our sold-out screening of Paris is Burning on America’s Transgender Day of Remembrance, featuring a live vogueing workshop and a post-film discussion by The T Project, a social service for the trans community. It reflects The Projector’s ethos to offer entertainment while fostering dialogue, inclusivity, and support for underrepresented communities.
Our annual Halloween screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an interactive, dress-up event with singalongs and audience participation using props like water pistols and toilet paper—creating much hilarity and chaos. It embodies The Projector’s wackier, irreverent side, and our spirit of creating memorable communal experiences.
What’s next for The Projector? Any big plans for the next decade?
We aim to continue evolving as a cultural and creative space, finding new ways to engage our audience and collaborate with partners who share our vision. We remain open to change and new opportunities that can help secure a sustainable future for The Projector.
You are invited to The Projector’s 10th Anniversary Party at Cineleisure (Level 5) on Saturday, 25 January 2025, from 10pm till late. Enjoy all-day happy hour, a DJ party, and chance to win memberships worth $60++ each. Register here.