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Reposted by DUCKS

AJ Jefferies @moonjam.com · 20/08/2026

Beyond thrilled to have TWO of my films selected for the BAFTA, BIFA and European Film Award qualifying @encounters.film festival! See you in Bristol! 🥳

A still from my film 'DUCKS' showing a person sat on a bench, holding a sandwich and lookin worried. Their is a laurel that reads "Encounters Official Selection '26"

A still from my film 'POOB' showing POOB, a small orange-yellow little blob character, smiling with the title of the film above them. Their is a laurel that reads "Encounters Official Selection '26"

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 19/06/2026

DUCKS has also been selected for Vimeo's 'Best Of Staff Picks' collection! Sadly, not accessible in the EU but an honour to be in the mix with so many heavy hitters :D vimeo.com/channels/bes...

A screenshot of Vimeo's 'Best of Vimeo Staff Picks' page. Featuring DUCKS among a whole host of ludicrously good films

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 29/05/2026

Beyond thrilled that 'DUCKS' has been selected as an official Vimeo Staff Pick! 😍 vimeo.com/1186702261 #vimeostaffpick #vimeo #animation #cgi #shortfilm #ducks

A still from my film 'DUCKS'. It shows a lady sat on a bench, with a male mallard looking up at her. A circular 'Vimeo STAFF PICK' laurel is in the centre of the image.

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AJ Jefferies @moonjam.com · 22/05/2026

Spoke to Animation Mentor about DUCKS and making your own independent short films: www.animationmentor.com/blog/alum-aj... (warning, large blurry picture of my large blurry face)

animationmentor.com

Alumni Spotlight: Making Independent Shorts | Animation Mentor

Learn how alum AJ Jefferies turned his love of animation into independent shorts and get his advice on how to make your own films.

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 21/05/2026

DUCKS has been selected for Hiroshima Animation Season in August! 🥳

A 3d CGI render of a cartoon woman on a bench, holding a sandwich and looking concerned. Above them is a laurel for HIROSHIMA ANIMATION SEASON 2026 Official Selection

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 19/05/2026

DUCKS won the Colour Box Audience Award at Flatpack Festival! 🥳🦆🥳🦆🥳

A still scene from my 3D/CGI animated short film 'DUCKS'. It shows two ducks swimming on a lake. There is a laurel reading 'WINNER COLOUR BOX AUDIENCE AWARD : FLATPACK FESTIVAL 2026' suspended above them and reflecting in the water's surface.

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 02/05/2026

DUCKS won TWO awards at the Bref International Film Festival! 'Bear With Me' and 'Creepshorts' :D

A still from my film DUCKS, showing the kid in the stroller. Along the bottom is some text and laurels declaring it won the 'BEAR WITH ME' award.

A still from my film DUCKS, showing two ducks on the water. Along the bottom is some text and laurels declaring it won the 'CREEPSHORTS' award.

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 20/04/2026

ALSO beyond thrilled that DUCKS won an Audience Award at Cinemagic in NI!

A still from my film DUCKS, showing a baby in a stroller, laughing with joy.

At the bottom is a laurel which states "Audience Award Winner DUCKS Cinemagic On the Pulse 2026"

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 20/04/2026

Beyond honoured to reveal that DUCKS has been officially selected to screen at a host of *incredible* festivals! 49th International Wildlife Film Festival Brighton International Animation Festival Flatpack Festival Chilemonos Festival Sunderland Shorts Film Festival Fest Anca Animafest Zagreb 😍

A still scene from my film DUCKS. Overlayed are a series of official selection laurels from :

49th International Wildlife Film Festival
Brighton International Animation Festival
Flatpack Festival
Chilemonos Festival
Sunderland Shorts Film Festival
Fest Anca
Animafest Zagreb

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 04/03/2026

Five more official selections coming up! Monstra in Lisbon, Portugal Ciné Court in Roanne, France ITFS in Stuttgart, Germany BAFF in London, UK REGARD in Saguenay, Canada 💚🦆💚🦆💚 #animation #shortfilm #ducks

A still scene from my 3D/CGI animated short film 'DUCKS'. It shows two ducks swimming on a lake, with a series of Official Selection laurels suspended over the water.

These include "Monstra 2026", "Ciné Court Animé Roanne", "Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film 2026", "British Animation Film Festival 2026" and "REGARD"

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 23/02/2026

THRILLED to learn that DUCKS won the People's Choice award at Big Teeth Small Shorts! 🦆🎉🦆🎉🦆🎉🦆

A screenshot from Instagram, showing that DUCKS. It has a still grab from the DUCKS trailer, a laurel and text that reads:

DUCKS
AJ JEFFERIES (NORWICH, UK)
PEOPLE'S CHOICE - SMALL

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Reposted by DUCKS

Anna Hughes 🍁 @annaghughes.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

A few months ago I got the story of a duck who aspires to curling greatness stuck in my brain and simply couldn't get it out until I did this

Drawing of a duck looking at a flier for curling lessons

That same duck on a podium winning first prize with a medal and crown

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Reposted by DUCKS

SubterraneanExhibit @subterraneanex.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Why does this duck have hair?! 😭

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 02/02/2026

WALES! DUCKS will be screening at @cardiffanimfest.bsky.social in April! I will also (hopefully) be there too! :D #animation #short #cardiff #ducks

A 3d/CGI still image of a park with a lake. There is a duck swimming in the water and a small gentleman walking on the footpath. There are large green trees in the background and a white laurel suspended in the air. The text reads "2026 OFFICIAL SELECTION CARDIFF ANIMATION FESTIVAL."

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Cardiff Animation Festival @cardiffanimfest.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Cardiff Animation Festival 2026 In-person & Online Early Bird Passes are now on sale! 🎉 There are a limited number of Early Bird Passes available so be quick! 💨 🎟️ Get your pass - bit.ly/CAF26-Passes 🍿Check out the programme - bit.ly/CAF26-News #CAF26 #CardiffAnimation #CardiffAnimationFestival

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 02/02/2026

Honoured to reveal that DUCKS will be one of 33 independant short films screening and the beautifully named @seasluganimation.bsky.social at the end of the month! More info here : seasluganimation.com/2026-program #seattle #seaslug #animation #independant #shortfilm

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 16/01/2026

Thank you so much for the selection @kaboomfestival.bsky.social! This will be the Dutch premiere of DUCKS 🦆 🦆 🦆 🦆 🦆 #animation #ducks #shortfilm #quaaaack

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 16/01/2026

The wonderfully named 'Big Teeth Small Shorts' festival will be screening DUCKS in less than 3 weeks time. If you're in Chicago, and love short short films, get along! www.bigteethsmallshorts.com/screenings #animation #chicago #ducks #shortfilm #bigteethsmalshorts

A still scene from my 3D/CGI animated short film 'DUCKS'. It shows two ducks swimming on a lake. There is a white 'BIG TEETH SMALL SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL Official Selection' laurel suspended above them and reflecting in the water's surface.

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 19/12/2025

Well this is WONDERFUL! Massive thanks to the young jury and team at KUK/Interfilm Berlin! 😍

A phot of an award, stating the DUCKS who Best Short Film for Children at KUKI 18 in Berlin. It’s filled with water loads of gold glitter/shapes!

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 14/12/2025

Thank you for the Honourable Mention LIAF! 💚

Judge’s Honourable Mention – Ducks by A J Jefferies
Nothing lame about these ducks. We love the colours and design, the story and the tension. Well done A J Jefferies.

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 09/12/2025

Even though it's the end of the year, there are more screenings to come in 2026 and then once it has run its course, I will finally release the film online and (eventually) shut up about it! #ducks #shortfilm #animation #festivals #quaaaack

"I HAVEN'T LAUGHED AT
SOMETHING THAT MUCH IN
AGES AND THE ANIMATION
WAS AMAZING. GREAT WORK!"

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 09/12/2025

DUCKS is an entirely self-initiated, self-funded film & my first time navigating the wild waters of the festival circuit. I've attended as many festivals as work, family commitments & my limited budget would allow, met some incredible people, laughed until I hurt & generally had a fantastic time.

"320 KIDS SCREAMING LIKE
THEY WERE ON A
ROLLER-COASTER RIDE WHILE
WATCHING YOUR FILM ... IT WAS
TRULY SOMETHING TO
BEHOLD!"

"SAW DUCKS LAST NIGHT AT
SEAF AND JUST WANTED TO
SAY IT WAS AMAZING. IT WAS A
PACKED THEATER AND YOUR
FILM BY FAR GOT THE BIGGEST
REACTIONS. AMAZING WORK!"

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 09/12/2025

Alongside this, I have also received some wonderful feedback. I had no clue if ANYONE would programme DUCKS into their line-up, so to not only get selected but also win awards (especially those voted by kids!) has been truly astonishing.

"I SAW THIS AT THE SITGES
FILM FESTIVAL. IT WAS
AMAZING AND OUR FAVOURITE
FILM OF THE SIX THAT WE SAW.
I WISH THE CREATOR COULD
HAVE SEEN THE MAGICAL
REACTION FROM THE KIDS
AND ADULTS IN THE
AUDIENCE."

"YOU REALLY DID BRING THE
HOUSE DOWN, SO MANY
MOMENTS OF RAUCOUS
LAUGHTER IN THE THEATER!"

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 09/12/2025

As 2025 draws to a close, I wanted to say how incredibly grateful I am that 'DUCKS' has had the chance to be screened all over the globe. From it's world premiere at @pictoplasma.bsky.social in May, it has gone on to have a further 21 official selections, 1 honourable mention & even won 3 awards!

A cropped poster for my film DUCKS featuring 22 official selection laurels, 1 honourable mention and three awards

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 08/12/2025

Delighted to reveal that 'DUCKS' will be screening at the 45th edition of the Oscar and BAFTA qualifying ANIMA festival, in Brussels! animafestival.be/en/edition/o... #ducks #shortfilm #animation #3d #cgi #quaaaack

A still scene from my 3D/CGI animated short film 'DUCKS'. It shows two ducks swimming on a lake. There is a white 'ANIMA Official Selection Brussels 2026' laurel suspended above them and reflecting in the water's surface.

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AJ Jefferies @moonjam.com · 13/11/2025

Hey, did you know you can watch John Kelly's *incredible*, Oscar qualifying animated short film 'Retirement Plan', right now!? www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mqa...

youtube.com

The Dream of Finishing One’s To-Do List | “Retirement Plan” | The New Yorker

YouTube video by The New Yorker

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 13/11/2025

I will be attending the Foyle Film Festival on the 28th/29th of November. Cannot wait!

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 13/11/2025

I received this AMAZING message from the KUKI team! "Thanks so much for entering your wonderful and crazy film to KUKI this year! Sorry that you missed the screenings with 320 kids screaming like they were on a roller-coaster ride while watching your film, hahaha it was truly something to behold!"

A poster featuring a beautiful illustration of a chicken and multicoloured balls flying from the top and from popcorn cartons. There is a laurel graphic on the chicken's chest which reads "Award Winner KUKU .18 Young Short Film Festival Berlin 2025"

A poster featuring a still frame from 'DUCKS' and multicoloured balls flying from the top and from popcorn cartons. There is a white laurel graphic over the top which reads "Award Winner KUKU .18 Young Short Film Festival Berlin 2025"

The text on the poster reads "BEST SHORT FILM FOR CHILDREN" "DUCKS by AJ Jefferies"

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 12/11/2025

Heading back from a whistle stop 24 hours at @mcranimation.bsky.social Had a wonderful time with fantastic people! While it wasn't in competition, DUCKS won the audience vote at the MAFter dark screening, which was a lovely surprise!

A still from DUCKS, showing a small child in a pushchair

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 09/11/2025

DUCKS just won the award for best children’s short film at KUKI Berlin!! 🥹

A photo of the awards ceremony at KUKI Berlin. The text reads “Der Award für den besten Kurzfilm für Kinder geht an DUCKS von AJ Jefferies”

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 05/11/2025

Whoop! (I apologise in advance!) On the plus side it’s in a mix of some absolutely stonking shorts, so fingers crossed if you don’t like it, you’ll soon forget due to your eyeballs being crammed with awesomeness!

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 05/11/2025

THEN it's off to Manchester Animation Festival, where it will be screening as part of the MAFter Dark lineup on Tuesday 11th (I will be there! Hopefully!) #animation #ducks #shortfilm #quaaaack #pictoplasma #maf2025 #BIF

A still from 'DUCKS'. It's a scene where a small, old gentleman is walking from right to left along a footpath, while a duck swims, left to right, along the water of a lake. There are large green trees in the background

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 05/11/2025

It's a BUSY few days for DUCKS! The film will be screening as part of @pictoplasma.bsky.social's London event tomorrow (I will be there!). Then as part of the Norwich Film Festival on the 8th (I will be there!). Then a second Pictoplasma outing, this time in Brighton as part of BIF, on the 9th.

A still from my 3D/CGI animated short film ‘DUCKS’. It features a small child, peering around the side of a stroller, looking at the camera with a curious expression.

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 28/10/2025

Had an AMAZING time at Fredrikstad Animation Festival last week. A really superb festival and a wonderful group of people, both in and around it. Honoured to have had my film DUCKS play a small part of a fantastic line-up! #animation #festivals #fredrikstad #norway #ducks #quaaaack #shortfilm

A photo of a cinema screen, showing the title card for 'FREDRIKSTAD ANIMATION FESTIVAL 23-26 October 2025'

A photo of the programme, showing 'DUCKS' in the screenings

A photo of myself (screen right)and the festival director, Anders Narverud Moen (screen left), on stage during a Q&A about 'DUCKS'

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 24/10/2025

DUCKS winging its way to Alberta next month! #ducks #animation #giraf #shortfilm #quaaaack

A 3d cg render from my short film ‘DUCKS’. It shows a duck, in the water flapping its wings. Above it are the laurels for GIRAF 2025

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 22/10/2025

Another WONDERFUL comment/review from the family screening at Sitges 🥹

A screenshot of an instragram comments by @aliciagtheile. The text reads:

“Hey! We saw your short film at the @sitgesfestival, and it was by far the best one! The laughter from both kids and adults, and the applause at the end, were absolutely epic. Thanks for bringing it to festivals, and congrats!”

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 18/10/2025

I cannot tell you how good it feels to read comments like this! Especially for festivals I couldn't make it to in person 🥲

A comment from user @jaydeeknights, the text reads :

"I saw this at the Sitges film festival. It was amazing and our
favourite film of the six that we saw. I wish the creator could have
seen the magical reaction from the kids and adults in the audience."

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 17/10/2025

VERY excited to be heading to Norway to attend Fredrikstad Animation Festival next week! ❤️🦆

A still scene from my 3D/CGI animated short film 'DUCKS'. It shows two ducks swimming on a lake. There is a white 'In Competition Fredrikstad Animation Festival 2025' laurel suspended above them and reflecting in the water's surface.

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Janet Hill @saskajanet.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

Looks like somebody has completed their feather molt. Looking sharp! The mallard’s annual life cycle is pretty fascinating and there’s a nice explainer here: www.ducks.org/conservation... #birds

Duck with shiny green head, yellow bill and orange feet is coming in for a landing on a river.

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 16/10/2025

Well, this is absolutely wonderful!

A photo of a physical VAF WINNER - YOUTH JURY award, 2025, sat on a desk

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DUCKS @ducksfilm.com · 13/10/2025

Absolutely over the moon to learn that 'DUCKS' will be screening, in competition, at the 38th Foyle Film Festival! Mind-bogglingly, this is the second Academy Award qualifying and seventh BAFTA qualifying festival has made it into, to date 🤯

A still scene from my 3D/CGI animated short film 'DUCKS'. It shows two ducks swimming on a lake. There is a white 'Official Selection Foyle Film Festival 2025' laurel suspended above them and reflecting in the water's surface.

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