Suhayla studied the MA in screenwriting at Leeds Metropolitan University, for which she received a bursary from the Film Council. Her recent commissions include a script for a children's TV series developed by Little Bird and a treatment and scripts for an interactive teen drama for the BBC. Suhayla has previously worked as a teacher and youth worker and spent part of her childhood in Khartoum, Sudan, later moving to London where she was a member of the Tricycle Youth Theatre.

2008

DOCTORS - 1 episode commissioned

2007

FATIMA'S VISIT - Picture Palace
Series treatment commissioned based on an original script

RIOT GIRLS - Treatment and two scripts for original teen interactive drama - BBC TV

LITTLE PUNJABI PRINCESS - 1 x 30 minute script commissioned - Little Bird/Five

2005

LIVIN IT commissioned to develop episode STRETCHING THE LIMITS by CBBC

SWINGS AND ROUNDABOUTS -(Short film) - EB4U (East Brighton Community Services) Written with a group of teenagers from East Brighton, the film will be shown in secondary schools as part of a sexual health education package. Following the events of one evening from the point of view of three different couples, the film takes an honest and humorous look at the sexual experiences of many teenagers today.

Education & Qualifications (includes):

2003 - 2005: Leeds Metropolitan University
Screenwriting MA (funded by Film Council Bursary)

Sept - Dec 2002: Diploma in Cinematography, Brighton Film School,

Relevant Work Experience (includes):

Autumn 2002: Workshop facilitator, The Bridge, Falmer, Brighton
Ran film making workshops for local teenagers & responsible for setting up community partnerships with First Light and the Brighton Media Centre
1997 - 1998: Youth Worker, Brighton & Hove Council
Worked with refugee children and teenage mothers