What We Leave Behind (2025 film)
| What We Leave Behind | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |
| French | Ce qu'on laisse derrière |
| Directed by | |
| Screenplay by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Edited by |
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| Music by |
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| Animation by | Alexandra Myotte |
Production company | Sémaphore Films |
| Distributed by | Travelling distribution |
Release date |
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Running time | 11 minutes |
| Country | Canada |
| Language |
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What We Leave Behind (German: Ce qu'on laisse derrière) is a 2025 Canadian French-language short animated film written, directed and produced by Alexandra Myotte, Jean-Sébastien Hamel. The film depicts Dan and a gaping hole in his neck that won't heal.[1]
The film had its world premiere in the Concorso Internazionale of the Pardi di Domani competition of the 78th Locarno Film Festival on 15 August 2025, where it was nominated for the Pardino d'Oro Arts3 Foundation for the Best International Short Film.[2]
Synopsis
Dan has an unhealed, gaping wound in his neck — its cause a mystery even to him. He’s unable to recall how it happened, and something keeps him from speaking of it. To find healing, he must return to the dark arena of his childhood and recover the lost piece of himself that still holds him back from becoming whole.
Voices
- Alexandra Myotte
- Jean-Sébastien Hamel as Dan, The Aggressor, Coach
- Jack Hackel as Night Watchman
Release
What We Leave Behind had its World Premiere at the Concorso Internazionale portion of the Pardi di Domani competition of the 78th Locarno Film Festival on 15 August 2025, and compete for the Pardino d'Oro Arts3 Foundation for the Best International Short Film.[3]
The film will be screened in Short Cuts section (Program 3) of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on 7 September 2025.[4][5]
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Locarno Film Festival | 16 August 2025 | Pardino d'Oro Arts3 Foundation for the Best International Short Film | What We Leave Behind | Pending | [6] |
References
- ^ "What We Leave Behind". Locarno Film Festival. 1 July 2025. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ Georg Szalai (1 July 2025). "Locarno Unveils Lineup for Pardi di Domani Section, Its "Breeding Ground for Experimentation"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ Wilkinson, Amber (1 July 2025). "Locarno announces Pardi di Domani". Eye For Film. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ Neglia, Matt (7 August 2025). "The 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Short Cuts Lineup". Next Best Picture. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
- ^ "Short Cuts section (Program 3)". Toronto International Film Festival. 12 August 2025. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ Ntim, Zac (1 July 2025). "Locarno Sets Short & Medium Length Competition Titles, Neo Sora & Salvatore Mereu To Debut New Works". Deadline. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
External links
- Official website (in French)
- What We Leave Behind at IMDb
- What We Leave Behind at Locarno Film Festival