search
Get Started
search
When the Day Breaks - Short Film
zoom_in Click to enlarge

When the Day Breaks

description When the Day Breaks Overview

When the Day Breaks is a 1999 Canadian animated short film directed by Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis for the National Film Board of Canada. It follows Ruby, an anthropomorphic pig whose ordinary morning is disrupted by a stranger's sudden death, prompting reflection on the unseen connections among city residents. The film combines drawn and painted imagery with textures derived from live-action footage, won the Short Film Palme d'Or at Cannes, and received an Academy Award nomination.

help When the Day Breaks FAQ

Who directed the animated short 'When the Day Breaks'?

The 1999 Canadian animated short was directed by Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis. The two filmmakers created the project for the National Film Board of Canada.

What animation style is used in 'When the Day Breaks'?

The film utilizes a unique style of animation where the drawings were rendered directly on under-the-camera sheets of paper. This gives the story of Ruby the pig a textured, highly stylized, and distinctive aesthetic.

What is the plot of 'When the Day Breaks'?

The story follows Ruby, an anthropomorphic pig whose ordinary morning is disrupted by the sudden death of a stranger. This tragic event prompts a deep reflection on the unseen connections between individuals in a modern city.

Did 'When the Day Breaks' win any major awards?

Yes, the National Film Board of Canada short won the prestigious Palme d'Or for Best Short Film at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2000.

Reviews & Comments

Write a Review

rate_review

Be the first to review

Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.

Save to your list

Save your favorites and follow how their scores change over time.

Save favorites
Track changes
Compare scores

Already have an account? Sign in

Compare Items

See how they stack up against each other

Comparing
VS
Select 1 more item to compare