When the Day Breaks 1999
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010; 800-542-2164
Produced by David Verrall
Director n/a
VHS, color, 9 min.
Adult
Child Development
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
ALA Notable: ALA.gif
Reviewed by Samantha Gust, Niagara University Library, Niagara University, NY
When the Day Breaks is a charming and powerful award-winning short film (Palme d'Or, Cannes Film Festival; Grand Prix, International Animation Festival, Annecy) that reminds viewers that life is precious. Without any dialogue, co-directors Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis use a chance encounter between two characters to illustrate how a stranger's death can affect the life of another and how everyone is ultimately connected. With its unique characterization, textured animation, fitting music and everyday sound effects, this film is emotionally effective and thought provoking.
When the Day Breaks comes with six discussion questions. Strongly recommended for grade 5 to adult.