Directed by Howard Berry, who also stars in the film, and written by the documentary’s star subject Walter Murch, a cinematic love letter to the Moviola film editing machine, led by Academy Award winning editor Walter Murch, detailing how it dominated English-language filmmaking for most of the 20th century. Also starring: Dan Farrell and Mike Leigh.

To cut right to the heart of Her Name Was Moviola, if you’re not prepared to delight in the cinematic nerdery and high level of technical detail, then this is not a documentary for you. Some films are made for a very specific audience and this is one of them, it is wholly dedicated to those who love, and/or make, cinema. So, for anyone who fits squarely in that group, there will be plenty for you to enjoy because it’s charmingly wholesome.

When it opens, Walter Murch’s voice floating in over the top is reminiscent of Disney, it’s so classically American and enthusiastic. As well as having that edge of an educational, generous tone. The way that the film moves feels like if you sat down anyone of the older generation and asked them to tell you about one of their passions in life. Then watched as they spent painstaking hours explaining it and working, purely for the audience’s entertainment.

One of the other great things about Her Name Was Moviola, is Murch and Farrell almost create their own catchphrase of ‘You can’t do that with digital’. They keep the conversation open to not only respect what the Moviola offered but also how the editing world has changed, and the advantages that a digitally driven world offers them as editors. They’re a lot of fun to watch together, the two have a very symbiotic relationship and a shared passion for their work.

Her Name Was Moviola is a love letter to the past while appreciating the present. It’s infectiously enthusiastic and created specifically for film fans. Walter Murch has such a relaxing and intriguing voice, and a wholesome, kind presence. Alongside Dan Farrell, the two make for a surprisingly sweet and highly enjoyable pair. It’s an unarguably niche exploration but one that any lover of cinema will appreciate, especially when you throw Mike Leigh into the mix.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯ | 8/10

Screening as part of Sheffield DocFest 2024

For more info visit moviolathemovie.com