Tom Ackerley

When you hear the name Tom Ackerley, a British film producer known for backing bold, character-driven stories with global appeal. Also known as the co-founder of See-Saw Films, he’s the quiet force behind award-winning films that mix emotional depth with sharp storytelling. He doesn’t chase blockbusters—he builds films that stick around. His projects often center on real people, real struggles, and moments that feel too true to ignore.

Tom Ackerley’s work connects deeply with British cinema, a tradition of nuanced drama and social observation that thrives outside Hollywood’s spotlight. He’s backed films that won Oscars, played at Sundance, and sparked conversations in living rooms from Cape Town to London. His partnership with Iain Canning and Emile Sherman at See-Saw Films turned a small London office into a powerhouse for films like The King’s Speech and Philomena. These weren’t just hits—they were proof that intimate stories could move millions.

What makes him different? He doesn’t just fund movies. He finds the right directors, protects their vision, and lets the story lead. That’s why his name shows up in credits not because he’s loud, but because he’s reliable. He works with talent who want to say something, not just sell something. And in an industry full of noise, that’s rare.

You won’t find him on social media pushing his next project. But if you’ve watched a film that made you pause, or cry, or talk long after the credits rolled, there’s a good chance he had a hand in it. His influence stretches beyond the screen—he helps shape how stories get told, who gets to tell them, and what kinds of films get made in places like South Africa, where local voices are finally getting space on the global stage.

On this page, you’ll find articles that touch on the people, places, and moments connected to his world. From behind-the-scenes shifts in film funding to how African filmmakers are carving out their own space, these stories reflect the same values Tom Ackerley stands for: authenticity over spectacle, substance over noise. Whether it’s a producer in Johannesburg breaking into international markets or a director in Cape Town winning a festival prize, the thread is the same—great stories need brave people to back them. And Tom Ackerley is one of them.