Three Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts students and alumni have been nominated for the Television Academy Foundation’s 44th College Television Awards. The foundation’s annual awards show recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced programs from colleges across the country. The award is designed to emulate the Emmy® Awards and student entries are judged by Television Academy members. 

Image shows cast and crew
Cast and crew of "A Lovely Ending"

"I'm thrilled that the Television Academy Foundation has once again recognized our students' work," said Tom Halleen, founding dean of Biola University's Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts. "We're not only proud of them for this well-deserved recognition, but equally proud of how well they collaborated together on this project — a key characteristic we prioritize within our program. We look forward to supporting Jonny, Emma, Po Yin and their amazing team at this year's College Television Awards."

Biola University seniors Po Yin Sham (producer) and Emma (E.F.) Broyles (director/writer), along with recent alumnus Jonny Harmon (’24, director), were nominated in the ‘Comedy Series’ category for their film A Lovely Ending. The film was selected by Television Academy members out of over 200 entries from universities nationwide.

“The nomination is a sign that such vast collaboration can be recognized by others as the art we believe it to be. Art that is absolutely imperfect, but therefore a true representation of our life; a life we must actively choose to live and make the most of,” said Harmon. “We’re very grateful to the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts for having the faculty and resources that equipped us so well for this project.”

A Lovely Ending is a comedic, musical, love story set in 1959. When news spreads of an incoming asteroid threatening to destroy the world, it prompts two friends to reevaluate their relationship. The film features choreography, music and friendship. A teaser of the 26-minute short film can be watched on YouTube.

“When we initially talked about writing the musical, we knew we wanted it to be a family story, a story about family and friends, and the importance of time,” said Broyles. “Time is so precious, and it shouldn’t take the end of the world to wake up to the reality of the brevity of life but, so often, it does. We hope that this film encourages viewers to hold their loved ones a little longer and enjoy the sillier things of life too.”

Harmon and Broyles on set of
Harmon and Broyles on set of "A Lovely Ending"

Winners in the competition will be announced by television stars at the red-carpet awards ceremony on April 5, 2025, at the Television Academy in North Hollywood, California. Criteria for the College Television Awards reflect industry standards of excellence, imagination and innovation. Nominees and winners of the College Television Awards automatically become members of the Television Academy Foundation's alumni family, gaining access to year-round networking opportunities, events and professional development resources.

“Each year, the College Television Awards showcases the outstanding work of students from colleges and universities across the nation,” said Tina Perry, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. “The level of creativity, storytelling and production quality in this year’s submissions is a testament to the talent of these emerging content creators and the bright future of television.”

Attending nominees of the 44th College Television Awards will also participate in two days of professional development events with media and industry leaders and a special screening of their projects for Television Academy members prior to the awards show in April.

The next generation of storytellers needs to be profoundly creative, skilled in their craft, honest and empathetic in communication and highly entrepreneurial, and Biola’s Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts gives students the opportunity to create stories that are a cut above. Learn more and apply to the school to become a rising filmmaker.

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.