The Violinist: Singapore's First Animated Historical Epic Unveiled

SINGAPORE — The Violinist, heralded as Singapore’s first full-length animated historical epic, was recently showcased at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France. This landmark film, which has taken nine years to produce, intertwines the historical narrative of colonial Singapore, the Japanese Occupation of Malaya, and the post-war era with a poignant story about personal loss and resilience.

Set against the backdrop of significant historical events, The Violinist chronicles the life of Fei, a young Peranakan girl endowed with musical talent, as she matures into a concert performer while searching for her childhood friend, a fellow violinist who vanished after joining the resistance during the war.

Co-written and co-directed by Ervin Han, founder and CEO of Robot Playground Media, the film expands on Han's earlier silent short film, The Violin, which garnered accolades at the Asian Television Awards in 2017. Han emphasized that the film aims to explore and celebrate Singapore's rich cultural heritage. "For me, at least, it’s always got to be a story about who we are and where we come from," he stated.

The film’s production involved extensive research into Singapore's history and architecture. Iconic locations, such as the Victoria Concert Hall and Esplanade Concert Hall, were meticulously recreated, thanks to archival support from the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. The main character's childhood home is inspired by the NUS Baba House, a restored Peranakan shophouse reflecting the lifestyle of affluent merchants in the early 20th century.

Co-director Raul Garcia, a former Disney animator known for classics like Beauty and the Beast, joined Han to lend his expertise to the project. The film also features an original score by Golden Horse Award-winning composer Ricky Ho and has a global production team that includes collaborators from Spain, Italy, Japan, Canada, Colombia, and Taiwan.

The Violinist was officially presented at the Annecy festival in June, with France TV Distribution handling global sales since its launch at the Cannes Film Market. Currently still in production, the film is expected to be completed by March 2026, with a theatrical release in Singapore targeted for August 2026.

The voice cast includes prominent Singaporean actors such as Tan Kheng Hua, who voices the older Fei, and rising star Fang Rong, who portrays the younger version of the character. Tan expressed her appreciation for the freedom of voice acting, while Fang highlighted the emotional depth of the script, stating, "When I read the script for the first time, I cried so many times. It was a story I could relate to, even without having experienced the depth and intensity of many of the things that happened."

The Violinist stands as a testament to Singaporean storytelling, offering both historical reflection and a narrative of personal growth and cultural identity. As the nation continues to evolve, this film aims to capture the essence of its past while resonating with contemporary audiences, making it a significant addition to Singapore's cinematic landscape.