Senayt directs her next role

Senayt’s journey to become a storyteller began in Ethiopia and took shape in Brisbane, where she arrived as a young refugee after fleeing civil war.

Despite language barriers and cultural upheaval, her artistic spark was ignited at just 13 when she joined Brisbane Contact Youth Theatre.

That spark grew into a career spanning over 20 years across theatre, film, and television, including credits in Terra Nova, Spiderhead, and the feature Naomi.

But now, Senayt is looking to shape the stories being told, not just perform them.

“Even though I’ve spent years on set as an actress, I’ve always wanted to create films of my own and knew I would need training to understand the full scope of filmmaking, from behind the camera,” explained Senayt.

That desire led her to TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Screen and Media (Film and Television Production) (CUA51020) at TAFE Queensland’s Mt Gravatt campus, where she honed her skills in directing.

“I ran into my old friend Charles Mitchell, a TAFE Queensland Film and TV teacher, who told me about the course. I applied the next day, as I’d been waiting to do it for a long time,” she said.

Balancing motherhood, work, and study wasn’t easy. Still, Senayt credits her teachers and classmates' encouragement and support for giving her the perfect mix of personal and professional guidance to help her thrive.

“TAFE Queensland’s teachers want you to succeed, and they support you in every way possible, in amazing facilities. The campus had everything we needed - cameras, studios, even access to Huxley School of Makeup students.”

“When I wrote, directed and acted in A Mother’s Role, a short film I made that won best picture at the GreenLight Film Festival, I needed a makeup artist who understood the specific challenges of working with dark skin, which is still an issue in the film industry.”

“Michael Huxley was incredibly supportive and ensured I had a skilled student to help with my film. Between that support, the makeup expertise, and all the equipment TAFE provided, I didn’t need to look elsewhere – I had everything I needed to succeed,” she said.

That guidance and support were complemented by the Mt Gravatt campus’ professional-grade equipment and facilities, creating the perfect environment to bring her creative vision to life.

While studying, Senayt took full advantage of TAFE Queensland’s facilities, working with industry-standard video editing suites and sound recording studios.

With access to state-of-the-art production equipment, high-definition video cameras and advanced digital production tools, she gained hands-on experience that prepared her for real-world industry demands.

Her dedication paid off when she wrote, directed, and starred in her film, earning Best Production at the Luma Film Festival.

Senayt’s other projects, including Wilted, reflect her passion for stories that explore culture, identity, and human connection.

Her early works are the foundation of her vision: building a production company that bridges Ethiopian heritage and Australian arts, creating pathways for other culturally diverse creatives.

“We have so many untold stories, and as a woman of colour, I haven’t always seen myself represented on screen. I want to change that - for me and others like me. If the doors aren’t open, I’ll build my own,” she said.

Senayt’s dream is ambitious but grounded. She’s already invested in professional filmmaking equipment and continues developing scripts that celebrate cross-cultural experiences.

With the skills gained from her studies, she’s more determined than ever to bring those stories to life.

“This isn’t just a passion - it’s a lifelong commitment. I want to create jobs, tell meaningful stories, and connect cultures through film,” she explained.

As Senayt progresses in her filmmaking career, her journey highlights the value of quality education and training, expert mentorship, and access to amazing facilities.

Whether in front of the camera or behind it, Senayt continues to bring fresh, powerful stories to life. Her message to others about studying screen and media at TAFE Queensland is simple.

“Do it. It’s practical, empowering, and the support is unmatched. It helped me take the next step in my journey - and it can do the same for you,” concluded Senayt.