Kukeleku

Kukeleku is a stop-motion short film developed at Aardman in Bristol. Made over seven months, the project combines handcrafted puppet animation with cut-out animation effects, creating a unique visual mix.
The story follows Nugget, a young rooster who can’t crow. After discovering a squeaky toy he finds a creative way to fake it, and so begins a small, heartfelt journey about learning to be comfortable with who he is.
Bringing the characters to life
A key part of the project was turning bold 2D drawings into fully working puppets. The aim was to keep the characters simple, graphic, and full of personality.
The process began with basic shapes, slowly built up into finished puppets. After testing materials like clay and foam, wood was chosen for its strength and clean, sharp look. Each puppet was made from wooden parts connected with wire, and designed with interchangeable combs, beaks, and tails to allow for expressive animation.
The final result stays true to the original drawings and feels right at home in the tactile, handmade world of stop-motion.
Credits
​​​​​​​Direction & Animation: Jelle Janssen
Title Design: D. Forest Gamble
Music & Sound Design by NOZEM Audio: Jeroen Jaspers, Bas van Win
5.1 Upmix: Niek Beemsterboer
HOD Aardman Academy: Mark Simon Hewis
In-Studio Producer: Vanessa Batten
Academy Producer: Katie Daniels
Academy Producer: Rachel Plant
SM1 & SM2 Course Lead: Stuart Messinger
Academy Coordinator: Jodie Partington
Academy PA: Amy Upchurch
Cinematography & Motion Control: George Milburn, Nat Sale
Senior Studio Support Technician: Adam Cook
Studio System Support Assistant: Adam Hanney
Studio System Support Engineer: Will Marshall​​​​​​​
Selections
StopTrik International Film Festival, Slovenia & Poland (2024)
Anima – Córdoba International Animation Festival, Argentina (2024)
Animation Nation, Singapore (2024)
Platforma BD – International Cluj Comics, Illustration & Animation Festival, Romania (2024)
Manchester Animation Festival, United Kingdom (2024)
ICONA – Ionian Contemporary Animation Festival, Greece (2024)
LISBIFF – Lisboa Indie Film Festival, Portugal (2024)
Metropolis Film Festival, Italy (2025)
Athens Animfest, Greece (2025)
Filmfest Dresden, Germany (2025)
IndieLisboa, Portugal (2025)
Melbourne International Animation Festival, Australia (2025)
Zlín Film Festival, Czech Republic (2025)
FEST – New Directors | New Films Festival, Portugal (2025)
Cervino CineMountain, Italy (2025)
Lytham International Film Festival, United Kingdom (2025)
Bali International Short Film Festival, Indonesia (2025)
Almaty Animation Festival, Kazakhstan (2025)
Reykjavik International Film Festival, Iceland (2025)
Cinekid Festival, The Netherlands (2025)
Discovery Film Festival, United Kingdom (2025)
CRAFT International Animation Festival, Indonesia (2025)
Barcelona & Madrid Children’s Film Festival, Spain (2025)
Athens International Children’s Film Festival, Greece (2025)
Reggio Film Festival, Italy (2025)
International Student Animated Film Festival Animafantasia, Romania (2025)
Ames International Children's Film Festival (Cinema Miúdo), Spain (2025)
Castellinaria – Festival del Cinema Giovane, Switzerland (2025)
Lugano Animation Days, Switzerland (2025)
Kortfilmfestival Leuven, Belgium (2025)