The Street (1976 film)

The Street is a Canadian animated short film directed by Caroline Leaf and released in 1976. It is based on a short story of the same name by Mordecai Richler. The film uses the sand animation technique, where images are created by manipulating sand on a light table and photographed frame by frame.

The story centers on a Jewish family in Montreal as they await the death of their grandmother. The young protagonist observes the reactions of his relatives, ranging from impatience and frustration to genuine grief. The film explores themes of death, family dynamics, cultural heritage, and childhood perception.

The Street has received critical acclaim for its innovative animation and its poignant portrayal of a universal experience. It has won numerous awards, including a Genie Award for Best Animated Short. The film is considered a landmark achievement in Canadian animation and a significant work in Caroline Leaf's filmography.