About Big Buddha Films

Big Buddha Films is an in independent film company that focuses on making films with a strong female voice, that tackle human dilemmas, and show the vulnerabilities of human existence.

We look at how individuals respond to challenges and difficulties, and just to each other. Our films have screened at film festivals all over the world, and received many nominations and awards. They have also screened on TV and web channels.

Debbie Howard

Big Buddha was set up by Debbie Howard. Debbie's aim is to make powerful and provocative films with a strong female presence.

Debbie has been an actor for over 25 years and her passion has always been film. As she grew older she realised that women’s roles became even more scarce and insubstantial.  It was this that drove her to start writing her own scripts, with strong roles for women, but issues that interest everyone.

Debbie has made many shorts to date, both fiction and documentary, and is now starting work on her first feature film: Still born, Still loved.

Debbie still works as an actor, freelancing in television, theatre and film.

Watch a showreel of Debbie's acting work.

Debbie is also an Associate Lecturer at Hallam University in Sheffield. She teaches the Acting for Screen Module. She also works as a drama facilitator in creative community projects, and teaches workshops and seminars on acting technique and filmmaking.

Big Buddha Films are based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. They can take commissions all over the UK. For more details of Debbie’s film work, please take a tour of the website.

New films in the pipeline

Still Born, Still Loved

We have begun production on our new feature documentary about stillbirth and baby loss. See our page in films section.

Shine - a commissioned documentary for Target and Together Women's Project

We are currently working with an exceptional group of women in Sheffield from Target and the Together Women's Project, to make a short film about how they are changing their lives for the better, developing confidence and self esteem, and learning to shine.