A young man has lost his will to live. He feels trapped, like a mouse in a cage endlessly spinning his wheel. His prison is an internal one. Outdoors, a fox slips through the thickets, symbol of a freedom that eludes the young man. He writes a suicide note, then slides it into a bag with things he is leaving to those close to him. He makes a final visit to his parents, giving them his caged mouse. He gives a girlfriend a sketch-book, in which he has drawn himself in the process of disappearing. A musician friend inherits his harmonica, another a house plant. One by one, the young man closes all the doors to his heart before then plunging into the sea.
With his body lying inert at the bottom of the sea, his spirit moves towards the great beyond only to discover that his internal prison has followed him into death. Realizing that suicide is a trap, he decides to return to life to reopen the doors that formed this prison. His body resurfaces... Parents and friends are there to grab the hand he stretches out of the water. An animated film without words for 12- to 17-year-olds.
On summer vacation a young teenager finds himself hanging out alone on the streets of his neighbourhood, all his friends having gone to the country with their parents. Near his home he meets a disturbing character, a drug pusher looking for clients, who introduces him to an artificial paradise. The teenager discovers a seductive and terrifying world that frequently draws him back to his neighbour.
In this short animation, we meet a young boy leads such a regimented life that he has no more time just to be a kid. Between school, tennis lessons, swimming lessons, art classes, homework and piano practice, he can barely get any rest. Inspired by Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, this short animated film by Claude Cloutier pleads for children’s right to rest and leisure.
In this animated film for five- to eight-year-olds, a group of schoolchildren are amazed to discover that one of their classmates does not have enough to eat. With the help of their teacher, the children come to understand that his hardship affects them all and that the fight against poverty requires solidarity and sharing. Film without words.
It's summer and Ludovic is invited to his grandfather's farm. The little teddy bear finds Grandpa very saddened by the death of Grandma, and Ludovic is fascinated by a room filled with mementos. Grandma's portrait comes to life, and Ludovic is able to kiss and hug her. This poignant tale evokes the closeness and understanding between a grandfather and his little grandson who gradually learn to accept the death of a loved one.
This is the second film in the collection Seasons in the Life of Ludovic. Here the bear cub is playing. Magical thinking governs Ludovic's world as he reigns over his menagerie of paper animals and their jungle home. In his improvised Africa, Ludovic goes from one surprise to another until the animals help themselves to the surprise brought by his mother. When they refuse to obey him, Ludovic doesn't want to play anymore. He bangs the door and pouts. But children's fights don't last. Reconciliation is not far off, especially when there is a snack to be shared by everyone. (See also Ludovic - The Snow Gift.)
It's autumn in all its glory and Ludovic is playing in the park. A bigger teddy bear knocks him down, and the little cub is rescued by a little girl teddy bear. Her kind gesture teaches Ludovic that the magic of friendship can help him face the fiercest bully.
In this animated short, Ludovic the bear learns the meaning of friendship while evoking our memories of cherished childhood toys. Often left out of the winter fun because his parents deem him too young, Ludovic finally finds a playmate when a giant snowstorm strands a doll on his front lawn. He spends all his time with his new doll, which miraculously comes to life and provides him with the companionship he’d been longing for.
In this short animation, a girl is so carried away by her love of music that she forgets about her household chores. Her father tells her to finish the dishes. Instead of washing them, she turns them into musical instruments, and he finally recognizes her talent. Based on Article 29 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, this film illustrates children's right to develop their talents and abilities to their fullest potential.
This short animated film features the sandman and the creatures he sculpts out of sand. These lively creatures build a castle and celebrate the completion of their new home, only to be interrupted by an uninvited guest. Cleverly constructed with nuance, the film leaves interpretation open to the viewer. The film took home an Oscar® for Best Animated Short Film.
Four children see images of other youngsters around the world who dream of doing great things when they grow up but whose dreams are dashed by the harsh reality of their lives. Shocked, the children urgently ask adults to do something. A synthesis of articles 27, 29, 30, 31 and 38 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, this film illustrates children's right to a future. Film without words.
This short children's film by Co Hodeman tells the story of 2 children and their encounter with an angry dragon, all represented by colourful building blocks.
Pedagogical evaluations and study guides for this work are only available to CAMPUS subscribers.
Features designed specifically for teachers. Learn more
Already subscribed? Sign in