Satya

Satya Films is an award-winning independent production company making its mark in Cornwall, London and beyond. The team creates bold, stylish documentary and branded films with strong characters and immersive narratives.

Specialising in commercial, cultural and social productions, Satya films, founded by director Sky Neal in 2014, showcases untold human stories and pushes the creative boundaries of documentary filmmaking. The team — which includes Mellissa Warren, an editor with over 20 years of experience making broadcast documentaries — has a vast background in anthropology and performance, bringing unique perspectives to the fold and setting them apart. From global cinematic features to impactful shorts, Satya creates powerful, nuanced stories that get people thinking.

How this year’s shaped up

Drawing on their extensive background in high-quality global storytelling as a springboard to create high-end branded content and broadcast, the team find themselves at a pivotal point of growth and expansion. This year has seen rapid growth in their client base across Cornwall, London and beyond, with current clients including Guardian Documentaries, Tate Lyfta, the NHS, Cornwall Council, several leading performing arts companies and charities, and a globally renowned law firm. At the heart of their offering is their skill at telling compelling, intimate global stories, an example of which is their documentary Dear Mamma. Currently having a festival release, the film has just been acquired by Guardian Documentaries for a one-year exclusive. Sky continues to lecture on leading film and anthropology courses, and is a voting member of the British Independent Film Awards.

2023 / 2024 Highlights

• Dear Mamma world premiere at BFI FLARE: London LGBTQGIA+ Film Festival.
• Growth of client base across Cornwall with current clients including the NHS, Cornwall Council and several leading charities.
• Dear Mamma acquired by Guardian Documentaries for a year exclusive.
• The release of two international films on the Lyfta platform.
• The completion of a branded film for a well-known Cornwall-based author.
• A successful collaboration with Sound / Image Cinema Lab at Falmouth University.

Where they’re setting their 2024/25 sights

Satya will continue to build on its own portfolio of work, as well as offering Sky’s directorial talents and 18 years of experience for external projects . Focusing on bolstering its reputation and Cornwall client base will help Satya expand as a team, growing the commercial model with higher-value contracts that tap into its distinctive approach to authentic, human-centric storytelling.

Growing with Creative UK

“The bespoke support has been way beyond what I expected. The team really listened to my needs and responded, meaning the overall programme experience has been incredibly valuable. The mentoring has been particularly helpful.” Sky Neal, Founder & Director