Biography

Debbie Howard is a film and television writer and director. She was brought up in a working class family from Lancashire, and now lives in Sheffield. She was an actor for twenty five years before she set up Big Buddha Films.

She made the critically acclaimed, BIFA long listed feature documentary, 'Still Loved', the first ever feature doc to look at baby loss. Her latest BFI Network short film, 'Safe', tackles violence against women in public spaces and has screened at over 50 film festivals internationally winning multiple awards including Best Screenplay and Best Director at the BAFTA qualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival. She is currently in development on her feature film, 'Cold' and a short film 'Roach'.

Debbie also works as a freelance television director. She has directed one hundred episodes of television for the BBC, ITV and C5. Drawing on her own extensive experience, she works well with actors, ensuring an excellent on screen performance. Debbie is part of the BIFA Springboard cohort 2025. She is keen to champion other women in the film industry. She is a member of BAFTA, BIFA, Cinesisters, Primetime and Director’s UK.