Teaser trailer drops for Singaporean animated film ‘The Violinist’

The official teaser trailer for The Violinist, Singapore’s first historical animated feature film, has been released. Set against the backdrop of Singapore and Malaya during the 20th century, it follows the lives of two childhood friends whose lives are shaped and separated by war, time and circumstance. Bound by music, their shared journey unfolds across decades, tracing a story of love, loss and the enduring power of memory.

’Against the backdrop of war-torn Singapore and Malaya, a gifted violinist and her childhood soulmate are torn apart, their lives forever altered by history,’ says the press release.’ Across the decades, as empires fall and memories fade, one haunting melody endures — a quiet echo of love, loss, and a promise left unfinished’

’The Violinist is a deeply personal film that has taken more than a decade to realise,’ said director Ervin Han. ’It began as a short film we created in 2015 for Singapore’s SG50, and over the years grew into a feature that reflects on our shared history through a more intimate, human lens. At its heart, the film is about memory — how it is shaped by the experiences of those who lived through pivotal moments in our past, particularly during the war and its aftermath.

’While Singapore’s history is often told through major events and milestones, I wanted to explore the quieter, emotional truths behind those histories — the lives affected, the relationships disrupted, and the resilience that followed.’

The film’s world premiere will take place at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, which runs from 21 to 27 June, ahead of a planned international theatrical release. It is produced by Singapore’s Robot Playground Media along with Spain’s TV ON Producciones and Italy’s Altri Occhi.