Singapore is set to make history with its first full-length animated historical feature, The Violinist. Conceived nine years ago, this animated epic brings to life a tale rich in history, music, and cultural memory. Its world premiere took place last month at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France—a major milestone for the local animation scene.
A Story of Love, Loss, and Musical Resilience
At the heart of The Violinist is Fei, a gifted Peranakan girl whose journey spans tumultuous decades. From colonial Singapore through the Japanese Occupation and into the post-war years, Fei’s story unfolds as she blossoms from a shy child into a celebrated violinist. Her quest to find a childhood friend—a fellow violinist who vanished while joining resistance efforts during the war—adds emotional depth to this sweeping historical narrative.
Nine Years in the Making
The film’s extended production timeline is a testament to its ambition and detail. Co-written and co-directed by Ervin Han—best known for his short film The Violin, which won Best 2D Animated Programme at the Asian Television Awards in 2017—The Violinist expands that acclaimed short into a full narrative arc. Han’s vision was clear: to capture the “space between history and imagination,” paying tribute to the quiet courage of a generation shaped by adversity.
Meticulous Historical and Cultural Research
A key draw of the film is its historical accuracy and cultural authenticity. The team painstakingly recreated architectural landmarks—some lost to time—with vivid precision. Buildings like the Victoria Concert Hall and Esplanade Concert Hall are expertly rendered, supported by archival resources provided by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Fei’s childhood home is modelled after the National University of Singapore’s Baba House, a restored Peranakan shophouse that reflects early 20th-century Peranakan heritage.
Co-director Han emphasized,
“For me, at least, it’s always got to be a story about who we are and where we come from.”
This desire to root the narrative in reality—while weaving in the emotional and spiritual journey of the characters—is what gives the film its unique resonance.
A Stellar Creative Team Behind the Scenes
The Violinist brings together talents from around the globe:
- Raul Garcia, veteran Disney animator (known for Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King) co-directs.
- Leonard Lai, renowned for Ah Boys to Men, serves as executive producer.
- Ricky Ho, a Golden Horse Award-winning composer, crafts the film’s original music score.
- Production is a co-effort between Singapore’s Robot Playground Media, Spain’s TV ON Producciones, and Italy’s Altri Occhi—with animation support from Japan, Canada, Colombia, and Taiwan.
This international collaboration underscores the project’s high ambitions and artistic depth.
Voice Cast: Bringing Fei’s Story to Life
The emotional core of The Violinist lies in its voice cast:
- Fang Rong voices young Fei. She shared, “When I read the script… I cried so many times. It was a story I could relate to… even without experiencing the intensity of the events.”
- Tan Kheng Hua takes on the role of Fei as an adult. Known for her nuanced performances, Tan says voice acting was a liberating experience:
“I love being inside a booth with just a microphone… no need to go get hair and makeup done.”
She also stated, “The attention to detail… moves me to tears.”
Veteran stars Adrian Pang and Ayden Sng also contribute, lending gravitas to the narrative ensemble.
Festival Debut & Global Prospects
June saw The Violinist presented at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, earning praise for both its artistry and ambition. Its global distribution was officially launched by France TV Distribution at the Cannes Film Market in May. With production still underway, the team anticipates completion by March 2026 and a theatrical release in Singapore in August 2026.
Why It Matters
Cultural Preservation
The Violinist isn’t just entertainment—it’s a moving tribute to Singapore’s past. By weaving Peranakan heritage and wartime history into an animated epic, the film ensures that vital cultural narratives are beautifully preserved for future generations.
Industry Milestone
This feature marks a turning point for Singapore’s animation industry. A decade in the making, its success could pave the way for more ambitious local productions and greater international collaborations.
Universal Themes
Beyond its local roots, The Violinist explores universal human themes: resilience in the face of hardship, the redemptive power of art, and the enduring bonds of friendship.
What’s Next
As the film advances toward its final stages, anticipation continues to build. With a slated theatrical debut in August 2026, audiences can look forward to a deeply moving cinematic experience—one that is distinctly Singaporean yet profoundly universal.
The Violinist stands as a shining example of how animation can transcend entertainment, becoming a powerful vessel for cultural memory, emotional storytelling, and national identity.
Looking for more? Check back next year for behind-the-scenes interviews, character reveals, and a first look at Fei’s world brought to animated life.
