Two Concordia alumni premiere animated films at Cannes

Félix Dufour-Laperrière, BFA 07, presented his feature-length animation, Le mort n’existe pas (Death Does Not Exist), which explores themes of political violence and existential conflict. The film follows an activist on the run who encounters her alter ego, sparking a journey filled with moral dilemmas.

Known for his minimalist style, Dufour-Laperrière often blends visual art with narrative — an approach influenced by his time in Concordia’s Film Animation program, where he explored the intersection of film and fine arts.

Also screening was Bread Will Walk, a surreal animated short by Alex Boya, BFA 22. Produced by the National Film Board of Canada, this continuous-shot satire critiques overconsumption, as well as its effects. In the story, a sister flees from a hungry mob with her zombie-transformed brother through a maze-like world. Canadian actor Jay Baruchel voices all the characters.

More than 20 fellow Concordia alumni contributed to Dufour-Laperrière and Boya’s films.

The Directors’ Fortnight, organized by the Société des Réalisatrices et Réalisateurs de Films (SRF), ran from May 14 to 24, 2025. Now in its 57th edition, the program continues to serve as a launchpad for innovative filmmakers from around the world.