Graduate filmmaker Dorothea Sterian up for national RTS award for emotive life under lockdown documentary

The thought-provoking and emotive documentary detailed her personal struggles during the Covid-19 pandemic and picked up accolades for Best Non-scripted Film and Best Camerawork at the North West rounds of the prestigious awards.

Speaking about her widely commended documentary, Dorothea said: "The inspiration for the film came from my feelings and thoughts during lockdown, when I felt that I was slowly losing my sense of identity, my sense of purpose. The response has been incredible and I’m just so glad that Staying Sane resonated with so many people.”

She added: “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 my lecturers, in particular Lyndon Saunders.’’

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.”

Beth Hewitt, Creative Director - Media City Directorate, added: "Dorothea's success with her documentary short is such a credit to her determination, ambitions and aspirations. She has been an exemplary student and together with the support of her academic mentors, she is already making great headway and noise! 

"Dorothea's journey is exactly what University of Salford aims to provide for all its students. Supporting, enabling, and seeking out opportunities for our new emerging talent within the media, film and creative industries and to allow them to flourish and succeed."

The RTS Student Television Awards aim to encourage, nurture, support and reward talent, potential and enthusiasm of students in colleges and universities for the creation of film and video content.

The winners will be crowned at a virtual awards ceremony on Friday 25 June at 2pm, streamed live via the RTS website and hosted by broadcast presenter and radio host, Vick Hope.

Read the full list of nominees here: https://rts.org.uk/award/rts-student-television-awards-2021