Al Awda to screen at Filmhouse on 14 June after reported February-May restriction
Documentary Al Awda is set to return to Singapore cinemas on 14 June 2026. Filmmaker Jason Soo announced the screening and urged supporters to book tickets, saying additional showings may be added if demand is strong.
- Al Awda is scheduled to screen in Singapore on 14 June 2026 after a reported February-May restriction period.
- Filmmaker Jason Soo encouraged public support and said more screenings may be added if demand is strong.
- The documentary follows the 2018 Freedom Flotilla mission and includes footage from the vessel's interception.
Documentary Al Awda is set to return to public screening in Singapore on 14 June, following a period during which filmmaker Jason Soo said authorities did not permit public exhibitions of the film.
A check of independent cinema Filmhouse's website showed that Al Awda is scheduled to screen at 1.30pm on 14 June in Green Room 2 at the venue's Golden Mile Tower premises.
The screening marks the documentary's first publicly announced showing since the reported restriction period ended.
In a Facebook post on 29 May, Soo announced the film's return, writing: “Al Awda is finally screening again in SG after the Feb-May ban by IMDA (Infocomm Media Development Authority).”
He encouraged supporters to purchase tickets and suggested additional screenings could be organised if audience demand proves strong.
“Help us make this happen by spreading the news. Your support means everything to the activists who risked their lives in this film,” Soo wrote.
Alongside the screening announcement, Soo invited members of the public to sponsor tickets for precarious and migrant workers.
Those interested in sponsoring tickets were asked to contact him directly: +65 9235-6065.
Supporters were also encouraged to contribute to the documentary's crowdfunding campaign through:http://alawda.weebly.com/
About the documentary Al Awda
Al Awda, meaning “The Return”, documents a 2018 mission involving 22 activists attempting to reach Gaza by sea.
The vessel was part of an international flotilla aiming to challenge the blockade.
Among those on board was Singaporean exile Dr Ang Swee Chai. Soo was also present and filmed the journey.
The documentary uses footage that survived the vessel’s detention by the Israeli navy, capturing preparations, discussions, and the eventual interception.
The film premiered at the Singapore International Film Festival in 2024.
Alleged ban from February to May
The latest screening follows disclosures made by Soo in March 2026 regarding restrictions imposed on the film's public exhibition.
According to Soo, IMDA informed him that public screenings of Al Awda would not be permitted between February and May 2026.
The period covered several significant dates, including Ramadan, Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji and Israeli National Day.
Soo said the decision was communicated during an online meeting and that IMDA indicated screenings during the period could “catalyse negative sentiments between various groups”.
He further disclosed that post-screening question-and-answer sessions would not be permitted at future screenings of the documentary.
According to Soo, IMDA consulted the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs before reaching its decision.
He said the authority cited Section 18(2) of the Films Act, which allows conditions to be imposed on the distribution or public exhibition of films.
Questions over Q&A restrictions
Soo publicly questioned the rationale behind the restrictions, particularly the prohibition on post-screening discussions.
He noted that a question-and-answer session had been permitted when the documentary premiered at the Singapore International Film Festival in December 2024.
Soo asked why such discussions were now prohibited and whether the cited provision of the Films Act extended to banning post-screening engagements.
He also argued that adult audiences should be trusted to engage responsibly with the film regardless of religious observances or commemorative dates.
Soo criticised what he viewed as an overly cautious approach towards public discussion of the Gaza conflict.
He further questioned whether experiencing “negative sentiments” in response to developments related to Gaza should automatically be regarded as harmful.
Following Soo's disclosure, The Online Citizen sought clarification from IMDA on the decision, including the criteria used to assess the film and the basis for the reported ban on post-screening question-and-answer sessions. No response was received.
