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When the Day Breaks

In this animated short, Ruby the pig seeks affirmation in the city around her after witnessing the accidental death of a stranger… and finds it in surprising places. With deft humour and finely rendered detail, When the Day Breaks illuminates the links that connect our urban lives, while evoking the promise and fragility of a new day. Winner of over 40 prizes from around the world, the film also features singer Martha Wainwright.
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In this animated short, Ruby the pig seeks affirmation in the city around her after witnessing the accidental death of a stranger… and finds it in surprising places. With deft humour and finely rendered detail, When the Day Breaks illuminates the links that connect our urban lives, while evoking the promise and fragility of a new day. Winner of over 40 prizes from around the world, the film also features singer Martha Wainwright.

Social Issues Psychology and Psychiatry All subjects
  • direction
    Wendy Tilby
    Amanda Forbis
  • animation
    Wendy Tilby
    Amanda Forbis
  • concept
    Wendy Tilby
  • additional animation
    Martin Rose
  • consulting editor
    Haida Paul
  • music
    Judith Gruber-Stitzer
  • arrangements
    Dave Gossage
    Judith Gruber-Stitzer
  • lyrics
    Wendy Tilby
    Amanda Forbis
  • singer
    Martha Wainwright
    Chaim Tannenbaum
  • musician
    Richard Beaudet
    Kevin Dean
    Thom Gossage
    Normand Guilbeault
    Eric Longsworth
    Collin Biggin
    Philippe Dunnigan
    David Grott
    Frédéric Lefebvre
    Marc Villemure
  • sound editing
    Marie-Claude Gagné
  • foley
    Andy Malcolm
  • sound recording
    Geoffrey Mitchell
    Gaëtan Pilon
  • re-recording
    Shelley Craig
    Jean Paul Vialard
  • visual effects
    Susan Gourley
  • animation assistance
    Luigi Allemano
  • post-production coordination
    Éric Barbeau
  • program administrator
    Carrol Smith
    Ida Di Fruscia
    Gisèle Guilbault
  • producer
    David Verrall
  • executive producer
    Barrie Angus McLean
    David Verrall

Education

Ages 13 to 17

Notes

Have students share experiences with death or disasters if they wish. How does the pig’s behaviour and mood change after the accident? What is she thinking about? How does she get back to her old self? Students could role-play the pig’s inner monologue after the accident, or write her feelings down as a letter or journal.

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When the Day Breaks
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