Graduation Short Film Competition
Doug + Me
Directed by Cecile Fountain-Jardim
Country United Kingdom, United States
Year 2026
Runtime 6′
My uncle died in 1997 from AIDS. His death directly led to my birth. This is the story of the uncle I never met, but whose ripples continue to live in every breath I take. Part thank-you letter and part memorial, Doug + Me is a short animated documentary film centered on my quest to know Doug as he was; a reflection on the emotional impact of the AIDS crisis and the lasting ripples of the legacies we all leave behind.
Cecile Fountain-Jardim
Cecile Fountain-Jardim is an American animator and illustrator based between London and New York. Her work is often heartfelt, aesthetically playful, and inspired by the concept of wabi-sabi. She explores the tension between lightness and seriousness, pairing colorful and tactile visuals with deeply emotional stories. She holds an MA in Animation from the Royal College of Art.
