When Life Departs (original title: Når livet går sin vej), directed by Stefan Fjeldmark and Karsten Kiilerichis, 1997.

Nominated for a 1999 Oscar for ‘Best Short Film, Animated,’ When Life Departs received the UNICEF Award at the 1998 World Animation Celebration. With simple drawings, the film illustrates the voices of several children expressing thoughts and feelings about death – of a dog, a sibling, and others. The animation was produced at the A. Film A/S in Estonia, with lead animators Ando Tammik and Meelis Arulepp. It was part of the Animation Show of Shows (Box Set 3). added 3/25/17.

Caracol Cruzando, directed by Pamela Maria Chavez, 2018. (preview)

“Anais, a young Costa Rican girl, faces the hardest decision she’s ever had to make: should she sneak her best friend and pet turtle Tiku across the U.S. Miami border, or should she leave him behind? Anais’ relationship to the natural world around guides her through this heart wrenching decision, and the consequences that follow.” Featured on the 2018 PBS Online Film Festival. Visit Pamela Chavez’ website to see full movie: http://pamelachavez.com/caracolcruzando.

Coco, directed by Adrian Molina and Lee Unkrich, 2017

In the film Coco, the dog Dante accompanies his boy, Miguel, to the Land of the Dead, where we see him evolve into an Alebrije, Miguel’s spirit animal. Not only can humans and other animals continue together beyond this realm, the purity of animals can help us on our way. The same can be said in this realm as well! Read more about Dante here and here.

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updated May 5, 2021