The Singapore International Film Festival a.k.a. the biggest film festival on the local calendar is returning without all the pomp and glamour it’s usually associated with – but no matter, it’s still putting on a strong showing.

Opening the festival is Singapore director Tan Bee Thiam’s debut feature Tiong Bahru Social Club (pictured), a surreal and satirical piece in which protagonist Ah Bee (played by star thespian Thomas Pang) gets inducted into the film’s namesake club, a “data-driven project to create the happiest neighbourhood in the world”. Manufactured happiness? It’ll be interesting to see how director Tan addresses this familiar topic.

All in all, there are over 70 films in the line-up by auteurs from 49 countries, with both digital and on-site screenings available. Check out our picks of the films you ought to catch and the full festival line-up here.

Nov 26-Dec 6, at various times and locations

Much has been said and written about the poll earlier this year by the country’s main broadsheet that categorised artists as the most “non-essential” sector during the pandemic. ‘Precious Things’, a new exhibition by independent gallery Coda Culture, aims to address the many questions and underlying sentiments brought to the forefront by that incident.

The exhibition features artworks created with existing objects by a mix of established and rising Singapore artists – pictured here is ‘pain/heat’ by Genevieve Leong. It aims to “look at how the ‘value’ of art has been called into question due to the ongoing pandemic, and how, for some artists, their methodologies and works have always existed at the margins of presumed ‘value'”, writes curator Seelan Palay.

Intrigued? Head down to Coda Culture this weekend to check out how the artists have addressed this perpetually thorny issue.

On now till Dec 12 at 67 Aliwal Street; 5pm to 8pm on weekdays, 12pm to 8pm on Saturday, and 2pm to 5pm on Sundays

Leading women’s rights NGO Aware Singapore turns 35 this year and they’ve planned a roster of events and activities this week to commemorate this milestone. This year marks the debut of Aware Fest, a five-day virtual festival consisting of workshops, panel discussions and interactive programmes that look at the group’s impressive history in fighting for women’s rights as well as mapping out its future in empowering the next generation of activists – something we saw a lot of especially during the recent Singapore General Election.

For starters, there’s a silent auction where all proceeds will go towards the NGO’s NextGen campaign to nurture a new generation of changemakers. There are many things that are up for bidding, including original artworks by Singapore art duo Ripple Root, a FaceTime photoshoot session with buzzy photographer Lenne Chai, private art tours, holidays at the Amanjiwo and many more.

There are also panel discussions and interactive quizzes on topics such as #MeToo in an Asian context, women in Singapore politics (we hit a record 29 per cent female representation in Parliament this year, apparently) and the pros and cons of social media activism. Check out the full slate of programmes here.

Nov 25-Nov 29