A Historic Leap in Cinema

Mark your calendars! Singapore is poised to unveil its very first animated historical epic, "The Violinist," set to hit cinemas in August 2026. This trailblazing film will transport audiences to the rich and complex backdrop of colonial Singapore, delving into the harrowing Japanese Occupation and the turbulent decades that followed.

A Tale of Music and Resilience

At the heart of the story is Fei, a talented violinist from a Peranakan family, alongside her best friend Kai, who shares her passion for music. As the shadow of the Japanese invasion looms over Singapore in 1941, Kai takes a brave stance and joins the resistance, only to vanish in the chaos of war. Meanwhile, Fei embarks on a decades-long journey filled with heartache and hope, performing across the region in search of her dear friend.

Star-Studded Voice Cast and Creative Team

This monumental project boasts a formidable cast of Singaporean talents, including Tan Kheng Hua, Adrian Pang, Ayden Sng, and Fang Rong, all lending their voices to the film's vibrant characters. Adding an international flair, Japanese actor Kazuya Tanabe will voice a key figure during the Occupation. The captivating score will be composed by the acclaimed Ricky Ho, a Golden Horse Award winner.

A Tribute to Overlooked Courage

Co-director Ervin Han describes "The Violinist" as a heartfelt tribute to "a generation shaped by history." He expresses his desire to tell a story that exists in the compelling space between history and imagination, paying homage to the silent courage often overshadowed by historical events. Han co-writes alongside esteemed Spanish animator Raul Garcia, known for his work on Disney classics such as "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King."

Breaking Ground for Singaporean Storytelling

Don Chen, director of the Singapore Film Commission, heralds the film as a "breakthrough for Singapore storytelling." He emphasizes that it represents a new dawn where Singapore’s history can be vividly brought to life through animation, igniting global interest and paving the way for future local talents to share their stories.

A Long-Awaited Dream Realized

At a recent press event, Han, reflecting on the theme of the film, describes it as one about "music and memory"—exploring what we cherish, seek out, and ultimately must release in pursuit of new beginnings. Adapted from his 2016 short film "The Violin," this epic has taken an impressive eight years of development, ensuring high authenticity in the historical representation of Singapore and Malaya.

Authenticity at Its Core

The film's depiction of Fei's Peranakan heritage will be rooted in reality, drawing inspiration from the NUS Baba House, a heritage site in the conservation district of Blair Plain.

Overcoming Challenges in Animation

Singapore's track record for animated features has been a roller coaster ride, with earlier attempts like "Legend Of The Sea" and "Zodiac: The Race Begins" failing to capture audiences. However, the critically acclaimed "Tatsumi" marked a turning point, representing Singapore at the Academy Awards, although it didn’t make the final shortlist.

A Bold Vision for the Future

Han acknowledges the risks associated with such an ambitious project but insists that creating animated films remains a passion for him. "Who in their right mind would make an animated film?" he muses, indicating a brave leap into uncharted territory since "Tatsumi" graced screens 14 years ago.

A Film for Everyone

Producer Justin Deimen describes "The Violinist" as a quintessentially Singaporean film that transcends cultural boundaries. Targeted at a broad audience, it aims to resonate with children in upper primary school, their parents, and even their grandparents.