Intercultural Youth Scotland (IYS) has been announced as the latest partner organisation for Opening Shot, a brand-new Screen Scotland-funded project aimed at bringing opportunities to underrepresented communities.
Four completely new filmmakers will be selected through the IYS partnership, each working to produce their own £5,000 short film alongside development support and mentorship over the coming months.
Intercultural Youth Scotland was founded in Edinburgh in 2019 to provide safe spaces for Black and racially minoritised young people to come together, share experiences, and push for meaningful change.
Sadia Hussain‑Savuk, Deputy Director of Intercultural Youth Scotland, said: “This is an exciting filmmaking opportunity for people who are too often underrepresented in the creative industries, and in our case those who experience racial marginalisation. It’s a chance to amplify new voices, stories, and perspectives that deserve to be seen and heard.”
Opening Shot is delivered by Stornoway-based company Astar Media and forms part of the Screen Scotland Talent Builder Initiative, and those interest in taking part will be able to find out more at an upcoming launch event.
Alison Piper, Programme Director of Opening Shot, said: “This project is all about allowing more communities to understand that they can become filmmakers too. We’re proud to partner with Intercultural Youth Scotland to foster authentic storytelling and fresh experiences on screen.”
The Opening Shot Short Films strand will partner with three organisations in its first year, representing diverse communities across Scotland. Alongside IYS, Opening Shot has begun work with it’s first partner organisation in Lochaber, Highland Cinema and will be announcing the third and final partner in the coming weeks.
Kieran Hannigan, Head of Scripted at Screen Scotland, said: “By connecting creative talent with practical support, we’re ensuring that the stories told on screen better reflect the diversity of modern Scotland. Opening Shot partnering with Intercultural Youth Scotland represents the kind of community-driven partnership that the Talent Builder was designed to deliver and strengthens Scotland’s screen sector.”
