Steel Films derives its name from a deep-rooted connection to the city of Sheffield, renowned for its rich heritage in stainless steel production. Founded in 2021 by Ibrahim Ahmed, a filmmaker hailing from Sheffield, the name "Steel Films" pays homage to both the city's industrial legacy and Ibrahim's personal history.

For Ibrahim, the name carries a profound meaning that intertwines with his family's journey. His grandfather, who hailed from Yemen, embarked on a courageous endeavor, leaving his homeland to work in the steelworks of Sheffield. It is in honour of his grandfather's determination and the sacrifices he made that Steel Films bears its name—a symbol of resilience, strength, and the power to shape narratives.

His short film Defying the Label: Cerebral Palsy and Me won the BBC Three Pitch at Sheffield Doc/Fest in 2014 and was broadcast on BBC Three in 2015. Other shorts include  “Khat” (2013), which looked to the use of khat in Sheffield's Yemeni and Somali communities, and "A day in Burngreave" made for the 24-filmmaking challenge at the 2022 Sheffield Doc-Fest Focus: Filmmaker Talent Lab. Ibrahim has also worked in Manchester on numerous BBC projects including the successful Premier League Super-movers Campaign creating the official Campaign video.