It's Salford's night at RTS Student Television Awards
The Royal Television Society NW Student Television Awards was a (virtual) night of celebration for University of Salford media students, as incredibly they managed to sweep the board in half the categories.
Romanian-born filmmaker and BA (Hons) Television and Radio Production graduate Dorothea Sterian did the double with her stand-out film Staying Sane (During a Global Pandemic), which picked up accolades for Best Non-scripted Film and Best Camerawork.
The thought-provoking documentary detailed her personal struggles last year, yielding a relatable, engaging, intelligent and emotive piece of short form filmmaking.
Dorotea said: ‘’Ever since the win I’ve been on cloud nine. It feels surreal to have won twice for a documentary so personal to me. I felt nervous to let the project out into the world, but ultimately I knew that I wasn’t the only one dealing with these feelings. The response has been incredible and I’m just so glad that Staying Sane resonated with so many people.
“I have to say none of this would have been possible without my wonderful lecturers at Salford, with particular mention to Lyndon Saunders - who has never stopped championing me and my skills. I have never felt more supported and encouraged than I did during my time at Salford and, without question, I would not be where I am now without them.’’
Lyndon Saunders, Lecturer in Broadcast Media, said: “Dorothea is the real deal – a burgeoning filmmaker to watch. She has a true talent for creatively telling real life stories but, crucially, an endless willingness to learn and an immense work ethic. No lockdown was going to prevent her from making her final project, that’s for sure!
"Staying Sane is a mature and clever film from one so young and, in its own small way, an important piece of living history to have documented. It’s no surprise Dorothea is already working in industry as part of the team making an exclusive Janet Jackson documentary, produced by Workerbee for A&E.”
The awards also celebrated the work of Salford’s talented Film Production graduates. Matt Hughes scooped the Editing award for short film Look/Listen.
He said “This award means the world, especially coming up against some really talented editors. I can’t thank enough those who were involved in making this film – the wonderful cast and crew and the University of Salford for making it possible.”
Mackenzie Thomson, Dylan Freeman, Liam Lyall, Alfie Gadsby-Kane, Toby Dudden, Brianna Smith-Briggs, Jacques Sailsbury and Eimear Doherty all picked up the Best Scripted Film award for In Vitro, which follows the story of a couple who are trying for a baby and one negative pregnancy test after another results in the gradual breakdown of their relationship.
Dylan said: “We couldn’t have done it without our incredibly talent leads Yemisi Oyinloye and Sean Ward and the rest of the cast. We’d also like to thank the University of Salford for helping us create the best possible film we could.”
You can watch the full ceremony back here