Herts lecturer wins Royal Television Society Craft Award for editing on acclaimed film project

The RTS, one of the UK’s most prestigious industry bodies, holds regional awards to celebrate excellence across independent and broadcast production. Howard’s work was honoured in a competitive category that included entries from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Big Talk, and Kudos Productions.

A heartfelt tribute to the iconic Moviola film editing machine, Her Name Was Moviola highlights the profound influence of this revolutionary tool on cinematic storytelling. Featuring a script written by and starring nine-time Academy Award nominee Walter Murch – who is also a University of Hertfordshire Honorary Degree holder - as well as appearances by Cannes Palme d’Or-winning director Mike Leigh, the film received backing from the Kubrick Estate and Warner Bros. Featuring an insightful discussion about the editorial process and authorship, the film has been noted for combining academic research with industry relevance, highlighting the continued significance of traditional editing techniques in contemporary filmmaking.

Howard said: “It’s a real honour to be recognised alongside such respected names in the industry. Her Name Was Moviola’s exploration of the lost craft of mechanical film editing through the moviola highlights the revolutionary way stories were shaped on screen at the time.”

Since debuting in June 2024 at Sheffield DocFest, the documentary has been screened across the globe, including at the 51st Telluride Film Festival in Colorado, and garnered critical acclaim for its exploration of the tactile artistry of editing and its impact on the evolution of film. Peter Bradshaw, of The Guardian, gave it a four star review and describing the film as a ‘geekasm’.

Nominated for ‘Best Edited Documentary Feature’ in the ACE Eddie Awards 2025 and achieving runner-up in the ‘Practice Research’ category for the BAFTSS Practice Awards 2025, the RTS award marks a key milestone in the film’s longevity.

“I’m especially proud that this research-informed creative work is resonating beyond academia,” added Howard. “It is a powerful example for our students of what’s possible through sustained, research-led practice.”

The University of Hertfordshire offers a number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Film and Television production, which can now be applied for through Clearing for those who already have their results. Find out more on the Herts website.