The Violinist movie
Between blockbuster giants like Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey dominating movie headlines, one production also had Singaporeans talking a few months back, and it wasn’t another Hollywood franchise.
The Violinist is an award-winning SG-produced animated film set in colonial Singapore. Now, after months of anticipation, the film is finally coming to our cinemas on 17th September 2026. Here’s everything you need to know if you’ve somehow missed all the buzz or just want to know what makes this movie worth catching.
What’s The Violinist about?
Image credit: @violinistmovie via Instagram
A quick look at The Violinist’s official website and you’ll be greeted by the words “A Singaporean Story for the World” – which pretty much sums up what the film is trying to capture.
Set against the backdrop of old Singapore and Malaya and spanning 80 years, the film takes viewers through Fei’s journey, from a young Peranakan girl discovering her gift for music to a concert violinist. But beyond her love for music, Fei is also on a lifelong search for her childhood friend Kai, who disappeared during the turmoil of the Japanese Occupation.
Who’s behind the film?
Fei’s Peranakan home, modelled after the NUS Baba House.
Image credit: @violinistmovie via Instagram
While The Violinist tells a distinctly Singaporean story, bringing it to life was an international effort. The film is co-directed by Ervin Han, a Singaporean filmmaker and animator, alongside Raul Garcia, a former Walt Disney Animation Studios animator whose impressive portfolio includes iconic titles such as Aladdin and The Lion King, according to Channel News Asia.
Ayden Sng (left) as the voice for Kai (right).
Image adapted from: @violinistmovie via Instagram
The voices behind the characters also feature a familiar lineup of local talents, with Tan Kheng Hua voicing the older Fei and Fang Rong as the younger Fei. Adrian Pang lends his voice to historical figure Lim Bo Seng, while Ayden Sng, who has been making waves as an actor in China, voices Kai.
Adding to the film’s emotional storytelling is its original score, composed by Ricky Ho, a Singaporean and Golden Horse Award-winning composer, together with Spanish composer Isabel Latorre. The violin pieces heard throughout the film were performed by Singaporean violinist Joy Yong.
What awards has the film received?
Image adapted from: @violinistmovie via Instagram
Before even making its way to Singapore cinemas, The Violinist had already earned recognition on the international stage.
It became the 1st Singapore-produced animated film to win the Cristal for a Feature Film award, the highest honour at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Fun fact: the festival is often dubbed the “Cannes of Animation” and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious events celebrating animated films, according to IMDA.
Image credit: @violinistmovie via Instagram
The Violinist also picked up the SACEM Award for Best Original Soundtrack in a Feature Film, which recognises outstanding original music composed for animated feature films. It’s a fitting accolade for a movie where music isn’t just part of the soundtrack, but the very heart of the story.
When & where to watch The Violinist in Singapore?
Image credit: @violinistmovie via Instagram
Mark your calendars for 17th September 2026. So far, Golden Village has confirmed that it’ll be screening the film, with more showtimes and locations expected to be announced closer to the release date.
We’re keeping our fingers crossed that other cinema chains, including Shaw and Singapore’s indie cinemas, will also pick it up so even more people get the chance to experience this film on the big screen. In the meantime, keep an eye on The Violinist’s Instagram page for the latest screening updates.
Add this award-winning animated film to your watchlist
With superhero blockbusters and big-budget epics filling cinema schedules, it’s easy for a homegrown production to fly under the radar. But The Violinist has already proven it can hold its own on the world stage, and now it’s finally Singapore’s turn to watch it.
So if you’re planning your next movie night, consider swapping one of the usual franchises for a story that’s a little closer to home.
More movie-related reads:
- Dear You & other films in dialects in Singapore cinemas
- Most anticipated movies coming to cinemas in 2026
- SFS Somerset & Filmhouse – indie cinemas in SG
Cover image adapted from: @violinistmovie via Instagram