University of Salford wins big at RTS Student Television Awards

Romanian-born filmmaker and BA (Hons) Television and Radio Production graduate Dorothea Sterian scooped the awards for Undergraduate Editing and Undergraduate Writing for her stand-out film Staying Sane (During a Global Pandemic).

The thought-provoking and emotive documentary detailed her personal struggles during the Covid-19 pandemic and was also nominated in the Undergraduate Non-Scripted and Undergraduate Sound categories. The authored, self-reflective documentary was reflective of the frustration many of us were feeling last year.

Judges applauded her tight and accomplished editing and impressive screenwriting skills.

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 in the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, 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.”

Ric Michael, Academic Lead - Broadcast Media in the School of Arts Media and Creative Technology, added: "We are thrilled to take home these three national awards for Salford. They are a testament to the industry-level work produced by all our students and recognise the commitment and talent of academic and technical staff alike.

“Dorothea's work truly deserves this recognition. She was a pleasure to have on the course from the start - always asking questions, collaborating with students and staff alike to make her work the best it could be. We are dedicated to guiding and shaping our students while they are with us, from Creative Technical Demonstrators to Admin Support, from Lecturers to Personal Tutors.”

MA Broadcast Journalism graduate Freya Chappell also picked up the award for best Postgraduate News for her reporter-led portfolio of films entitled The Reproduction Revolution. Freya took a broad look at the subject of reproduction, without shying away from contentious areas of surrogacy, gender and technology.

Judges were impressed with her great technical flair and excellent range of voices presented in a balanced and informed way.

Freya said: “Thank you so much for the award. I’d like to thank my lecturer Andrew Lindsay and all the people involved who allowed me into a very sensitive area of their lives.”

Andrew Lindsay, Journalism Lecturer in the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, said: "Freya is a natural on-screen talent but she put lots of time and effort into production too. She was continually enthusiastic about all aspects of broadcast journalism and was excellent at seeking and acting on feedback. This is the result.

"We see value in expecting genuine ambition in our major journalism projects and the University's consistent success in RTS awards is very gratifying. It appears also to be noted by employers."

The University of Salford was one of only 17 UK institutions nominated, and was name-checked by the RTS as one of the ceremony’s big winners, alongside the National Film and Television School. 

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 were 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 winner here:  https://rts.org.uk/article/winners-rts-student-television-awards-2021-announced

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