“The Violinist”, the animated feature film directed by Ervin Han and Raúl García, has been selected for the Official Competition at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. This prestigious accolade marks a moment of great satisfaction for the entire team involved in the project and confirms the film’s artistic and international merit.
Following a development journey that has seen it take centre stage at major film markets – from Annecy to Tokyo, from Taipei to the MIA in Rome – the film now reaches one of the world’s most important stages for animation. The selection at Annecy represents not only a milestone in the project’s life, but also an extraordinary opportunity to bring this intense story to a global audience.
“The Violinist” tells the story of Fei, a legendary musician who, now in her twilight years, decides to reveal the secret that has fuelled her art. The story takes us back to the 1940s, to a war-torn Southeast Asia, where the young Fei meets Kai, an orphan of extraordinary talent. A deep bond forms between the two, built on music and love, yet destined to be torn apart by the violence of the conflict. A promise, a violin entrusted to her before their separation, and a lifelong quest become the emotional heart of a story that spans time and memory.
The film is co-directed by Singaporean director Ervin Han, a four-time winner of the Asian Academy Creative Awards, and by renowned animator Raúl García, who has created some of the most iconic classics of animation. It is produced by Altri Occhi, in co-production with Robot Playground and TV On, with the support of numerous international funds and institutions.
The film demonstrates how animation today can tackle profound and complex themes, speaking to a broad and diverse audience. Its inclusion in the competition at Annecy sends a strong signal: this delicate yet powerful story is ready to travel far and wide.
