NFB Released Animated Short Bread Will Walk
The 11-minute film directed by Alex Boya is now available to stream for free across Canada.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Animation
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The National Film Board of Canada has officially released the animated short film Bread Will Walk for free public viewing. Directed by Alex Boya and voiced by Jay Baruchel, the production is now accessible on the organization's streaming platforms.
Why it matters
The release provides wide access to a project that has earned significant international recognition since its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Directors' Fortnight. The film is notable for its unique visual construction and has already completed a extensive circuit of more than 50 festival selections.
The film runs for a total duration of 11 minutes and 18 seconds. It has been showcased at more than 50 international film festival selections.
The players
National Film Board of Canada
This is a public agency that produces and distributes films and other audiovisual works that interpret Canada to Canadians and other countries.
Alex Boya
He is a Montreal-based filmmaker and director known for his distinct animation style.
Jay Baruchel
He is a Canadian actor and writer who provided the voice performances for all characters in this project.
Jelena Popović
She is a producer who will represent the film during upcoming industry discussions.
The details
Designed as a continuous shot, the project features a score by composer Martin Floyd Cesar and sound design by Olivier Calvert. Jay Baruchel provides the voice for every character in the English-language version of the film.
Timeline
The film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Directors' Fortnight.
A panel discussion featuring the creators is scheduled for October 13, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The film's debut at the 2025 Cannes Directors' Fortnight established a benchmark for its subsequent festival circuit run. This release follows the established strategy of leveraging successful festival runs to build public awareness before moving to wider streaming distribution.
Canadian viewers can watch the full 11-minute short film immediately on the official National Film Board of Canada website. There is no subscription fee or rental cost required to access the production.
The takeaway
Viewers interested in animation techniques can explore the film to see the results of its unique continuous shot design. The project serves as an accessible example of contemporary Canadian short-form storytelling for the public.
What happens next
Producer Jelena Popović and filmmaker Alex Boya will participate in a panel discussion regarding the film at the VIEW Conference 2026 on October 13, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the field of Animation across the country.
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