Scottish Youth Film Foundation appoints new patrons

The Scottish Youth Film Foundation (SYFF) has appointed filmmaker Sarah Purser, producer Tommy Gormley and writer-director Raisah Ahmed as new patrons.

All three have strong Glasgow connections and bring extensive experience across film and television, further strengthening the charity’s support for young people pursuing careers in the screen industries.

Sarah Purser is currently developing a television drama set in Victorian Glasgow, while Tommy Gormley has worked on major global productions including Mission: Impossible, Star Wars and Wonder Woman. 

Raisah Ahmed is an award-winning writer-director and a Screen International Rising Star Scotland 2024.

Sarah said: “I am proud and very excited to be a patron of SYFF. 

“Supporting the next generation of storytellers means nurturing talent, encouraging creativity – but most importantly, giving time and opportunities to young people who simply would not have the film industry on their radar or believe it was one they could ever consider as a career.

“I look forward to working with the young talent at SYFF and championing the foundation’s inspiring work.” 

Tommy added: “I realise how hard it can be for young people to break into the film business – or even to see it as a remotely attainable path. 

“There is huge creativity and talent out there in our young people, but opportunity sadly often isn’t. I want to help champion that creativity, and build opportunity and inclusion, regardless of background or postcode. 

“SYFF helps young people find their confidence, develop genuine and transferrable skills, and realise that their stories are worth telling.” 

Raisah added: “Storytelling helps us create the type of world we want to live in. 

“The work that SYFF does is absolutely vital in giving as many young people as possible the chance to dream of becoming a part of the screen industries, and being given the opportunities to make those dreams a reality.” 

Their appointments support SYFF’s mission to help young people across Scotland develop creative skills and access opportunities in film, journalism and digital storytelling.

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