AMHERST, N.Y. – Five Daemen University student-animated short films recently earned international recognition at the 43^rd annual Telly Awards.

Honored with three silver and two bronze awards in the Non-Broadcast General-Student category, the five Daemen Class of 2021 alums completed the short films while seniors in the university’s animation program. 

They share honors in the national category with awardees from the Savannah College of Art and Design, the University of Oklahoma, Boston University, Drexel University, Piedmont University, Miami Media School, and others.

“The Tellys are prestigious film industry awards that see entries from Disney, Warner Brothers, Microsoft and Apple and many other household names,” said Mike Jones, director of Daemen’s animation program and a former Disney animator. “The fact five students from a small school in Buffalo won so many awards speaks volumes about the quality of their work.”

This year marks the second year in a row Daemen students have taken home Tellys. In 2020, three Daemen students won silver and bronze awards for their animated short films.

The Telly Awards receive more than 12,000 entries from all 50 U.S. states and from countries on five continents. Judged by more than 200 industry professionals, the Tellys honor local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs; video and film productions; and online commercials, video, and films.

Link to all films (YouTube)

Silver Award Winners from Daemen

Kelsey Mahoney – “Wild Remedies” – This short tells the story of an employee, who accidentally releases a mischievous spirit. The film explores the effects that mistreating animals can have on our humanity, as well as the rewards of doing the right thing.

Jessica Ochs – “Memory Lane” – A heartfelt film about Frank, now an old man, who reminisces about his life and travels with his wife, Mary, at her gravesite while he looks at their photo album.

Kyle Payne – “Muscle Beach Party of Awesomeness” – A film with a hilarious new twist on the skinny kid at the beach who wishes to be a muscular hero.

Bronze Award Winners from Daemen

Jarred Lee – “Dinolords” – An action-packed short that introduces the Dinolords universe and is adapted from graphic novel of the same title by filmmaker.

Katherine Leising – “Circulation” – An inventive film that teaches all ages about the human circulatory system in an informative and humous way.

Daemen will hold a ceremony and statue presentation for the winners in the fall.