Synopsis

Having run out of gas the day before, Debbie attempts to walk her duck to the nail salon, oblivious to the crises she encounters on her outing.

Director / Writer Statement

The idea for Debbie Walks Her Duck came from various disparate channels: the onslaught of horrific news stories, my joy in my friend’s wooden duck toy, and definitely too much time spent on social media.

I am both chagrined and amused when people upload a series of posts that go something like: 1) War is terrible! 2) Children starving is terrible! 3) Floods and fires are terrible! 4) Just had the most amazeballs avocado toast ever!

I’m not judging, I do it also. We have to have balance in our lives. It’s challenging to stay informed while keeping one’s sanity intact but it’s clear that people are handling world events differently. I have friends who are prepping for the end of days and I have others who are learning to tap dance or planning their next big vacation. Regardless of how you are living your life, there is a bit of disconnect that is happening with us all.

At face value Debbie Walks Her Duck is about a superficial woman who is apathetic to an ensuing apocalypse, ultimately to her detriment. But I wrote her and the world she’s walking through to be metaphors for myriad things: Debbie could be a voting bloc not accepting the repercussions of their choices, or a culture unwilling to acknowledge the threat of AI. Perhaps she represents faceless corporations and their shareholders, enjoying stock options, without a care to the chaos their dealings cause people or the planet. Maybe Debbie is all these things.

I hope that Debbie Walks Her Duck resonates with audiences and encourages discussions as to what she and her surroundings represent. Maybe people will recognize how we all can have “Debbie moments,” or perhaps that we can change how we react and respond to them. Or, honestly, maybe it’s just a fun short film that makes people laugh. That’s okay also. But regardless of the content of the conversations, I’ll be thrilled if they take place over some really awesome avocado toast.

Crew & Cast

NIKKI BRAENDLIN (Writer/Director/Editor) Nikki Braendlin gravitates toward writing stories about people on the fringes, socially or psychologically, told with poignancy, humor, and usually some bite. Her feature dramedy AS HIGH AS THE SKY, was distributed by Cinema Libre Studios after garnering multiple awards and strong reviews ("a strikingly intimate study in visual character definition and painful emotional growth." - Entertainment Magazine) but her favorite critique is by a friend who called her a “poet of lonely people.” Nikki is an advocate for equity and parity in the entertainment industry, is convinced her cat is her twin in animal form, and has never met a crossword puzzle she doesn’t like. 

MELISSA BALINT (Producer) Melissa Balint is an award-winning Los Angeles-based Writer/Producer/Director whose work blends humor, heart, and heightened reality. She gravitates toward stories about outsiders navigating complex systems stacked against them, using genre as a lens to explore identity, resilience, and belonging. Her storytelling balances sharp wit with emotional resonance, always rooted in character. Dedicated to a career in episodic television, she hones her craft through shadowing and on-set experience. As a Board Officer for the Alliance of Women Directors, she advocates for equitable pathways in the industry.

PALOMA RONQUILLO (Director of Photography) Paloma Ronquillo is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer originally from Santa Maria, CA. She holds a B.A. in Cinematic Arts from CSU Monterey Bay and an M.F.A. in Cinematography from UCLA. She began her career as an over-hire camera operator with Local 611, building a strong foundation in the field, and has worked as a Director of Photography ever since. Paloma is a two-time recipient of the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant, a member of the Society of Camera Operators, and a recipient of the 2025 Women in Media Altitude Award for Emerging Filmmaker. Her work is defined by bold visuals, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for inclusive storytelling.

JILL LOVER (Actress, Debbie) Jill Lover is a professional actress originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, and a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild for over 30 years. She has appeared in more than 100 national commercials and built an extensive résumé across television and film. Known for her versatility and grounded presence, Jill has brought memorable performances to a wide range of projects, from comedy to drama. Her recent credits include The Studio, 9-1-1, and Criminal Minds.

Behind the Scenes