Singapore’s animation industry is poised to make history with The Violinist, the country’s first full-length animated historical epic. Nine years in the making, the ambitious project is set for theatrical release in August 2026 and promises to be a landmark cultural production.

Set against the backdrop of colonial Singapore, the Japanese Occupation, and post-war upheavals, The Violinist follows Fei, a gifted Peranakan girl whose life is shaped by music, love, and loss. As she matures into a renowned concert violinist, Fei never stops searching for her childhood friend and fellow musician who disappeared after joining the wartime resistance.

The film is co-directed by Ervin Han — founder of Robot Playground Media — and renowned former Disney animator Raul Garcia (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast). It is an expanded retelling of Han’s 2015 short film The Violin, which earned accolades at the Asian Television Awards. Veteran producer Leonard Lai (Ah Boys To Men) helms the production, alongside an original score by Golden Horse Award-winning composer Ricky Ho.

Incorporating meticulously researched recreations of heritage landmarks such as the Victoria Concert Hall and NUS Baba House, the film serves as a nostalgic tribute to Singapore’s cultural and architectural past. Han shared that the story was driven by a desire to reflect on identity and resilience: “This is a tribute to a generation shaped by quiet courage — to those whose stories history often overlooks.”

Voicing the protagonist Fei are acclaimed Singapore actress Tan Kheng Hua and rising talent Fang Rong. “When I read the script, I cried so many times,” said Fang. Tan praised the emotional demands of voice acting, calling the project “a moving, deeply rewarding experience.”

An international co-production involving studios from Spain, Italy, Japan, Canada, Colombia, and Taiwan, The Violinist was showcased at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June and is currently being promoted globally by France TV Distribution.

The film is expected to be completed by March 2026, ahead of its Singapore release in August.

BOB Post