Singapore-produced film The Violinist will compete at top international animation festival
Set in Singapore and other parts of Malaya across the 20th century, The Violinist has been selected for the main competition of the prestigious Annecy Animation Film Festival 2026.
Set across Singapore and other parts of Malaya in the 20th century, The Violinist is an animated film co-directed by Singaporean Ervin Han. (Photo: The Violinist)
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The Violinist, an animated film set in Singapore and parts of Malaya across the 20th century, has been selected for the official competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026.
Often described as the “Cannes of animation”, the Annecy festival, first held in 1960, is one of the industry’s most prestigious events, bringing together filmmakers, studios and audiences from around the world annually each June in France.
The selection of The Violinist marks the first time a Singapore-produced animated feature has been included in Annecy’s main competition in the festival’s 65-year history.
Set during colonial Singapore and other parts of Malaya and spanning the Japanese occupation to post-war years, The Violinist follows the life of Fei, a young, musically talented Peranakan girl, as she grows and matures into an accomplished concert performer who spends years searching for her long-lost childhood friend, Kai, a fellow violinist who disappeared after joining the resistance during the war.
The film explores themes of friendship, loss and resilience, with music as a central narrative thread.
It is co-directed by Singaporean filmmaker and animator Ervin Han and Spanish animator Raul García, known for his work at Walt Disney Animation Studios on classic films such as Aladdin and The Lion King.
Voicing the characters are Singapore heavyweight Tan Kheng Hua as the older Fei and rising star Fang Rong as the younger Fei, as well as actors Adrian Pang and Ayden Sng.
The film, supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore, is produced by Singapore’s Robot Playground Media, co-founded by Han, in collaboration with Spain’s TV ON Producciones and Italy’s Altri Occhi.
The wider team includes Singaporean composer and conductor Ricky Ho, known for his work on films such as A Chinese Ghost Story and 12 Lotus; violinist Joy Yong, a classically-trained musician and dancer who serves as the film’s lead violinist; and producer Leonard Lai, who has worked on local films Ah Boys To Men and Long Long Time Ago.
In a press release, Han said the film is rooted in lived experiences shaped by major historical events.
“At its heart, the film is about memory shaped by the experiences of those who lived through pivotal moments in our past, particularly during the war and its aftermath,” he said.
“Music plays a central role in this storytelling. The violin became a powerful symbol of continuity. Through music, the film connects past and present, reflecting the enduring spirit of individuals who lived through periods of great uncertainty and transformation.
“While the story is rooted in Singapore, it also reflects the broader histories of Southeast Asia, shaped by shared experiences of colonialism, war and rebuilding.”
He added that the project was made possible through international collaboration, and expressed hope that the film would contribute to a deeper appreciation of Singapore’s stories.
The Violinist will make its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2026, ahead of a planned international theatrical release and a Singapore premiere in August 2026.
