What We Leave Behind () is a 2025 Canadian French-language short animated film written directed and produced by Alexandra Myotte and Jean-Sébastien Hamel. It depicts Dan and a gaping hole in his neck that won't heal.
The film had its world premiere in the Leopard of Tomorrow - Concorso Internazionale section of the 78th Locarno Film Festival on 15 August 2025, where it was nominated for the Pardino d'Oro.
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 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.
The film was screened in Short Cuts section (Program 3) of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on 7 September 2025.
Accolades
Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient Result Locarno Film Festival 16 August 2025 Pardino d'Oro Arts3 Foundation for the Best International Short Film What We Leave Behind Spark Animation Film Festival2025Director’s PrizeAlexandra Myotte, Jean-Sébastien HamelToronto International Film FestivalBest Short FilmWhat We Leave BehindClermont Ferrand Short Film FestivalBest Animated Short FilmPrix collégial du cinéma québécois 2026 Best Short Film Charles-Henri Ramond, "(PCCQ 2026) Les finalistes dévoilés". Films du Québec, January 14, 2026.Kaboom Animation FestivalBest ShortAnnecy International Animation Film FestivalCristal for Best ShortSXSWBest Short Film
References
External links
What We Leave Behind at Locarno Film Festival