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TAFE Queensland teachers selected for West End Film Festival
Two TAFE Queensland teachers are celebrating a major creative achievement after their documentary Makers of Meaning was selected for screening at the West End Film Festival (WEFF), one of Brisbane’s longest-running showcases of independent filmmaking.
Screen and Media teacher Tom Francis and Photo Imaging teacher Danielle O’Brien, who are also husband-and-wife filmmakers, were chosen for the festival’s 2026 program for their moving documentary that explores the healing power of creativity through the story of Minjerribah artist Craig Cleary.
The documentary follows Craig’s journey after the sudden loss of his sister, documenting how a single handcrafted amulet made for her coffin evolved into a deeply personal artistic practice.
Through sculpting hundreds of pieces inspired by the natural environment of North Stradbroke Island, Craig has found a way to process grief and create meaning from loss.
Tom and Danielle have spent more than two decades collaborating on creative projects, first as co-managers of the KiLN Art Gallery and later as educators in film, photography and the visual arts.
Their complementary skills have become the foundation of their filmmaking partnership, with Tom leading cinematic storytelling and visual production.
At the same time, Danielle draws on her experience as a visual artist to conduct open, authentic interviews that give their films emotional depth.
“Craig’s story is a powerful reminder of why creativity matters,” Tom said.
“We wanted to shine a light on someone who uses art not for recognition or commercial success, but because the act of creating has become essential to his wellbeing.”
The documentary forms part of Makers of Meaning, an ongoing series profiling individuals whose creative practice serves as a vital source of purpose, resilience and connection.
For Danielle, the project reflects a broader commitment to preserving and celebrating human expression.
“Over the years, we've seen the arts continually challenged for relevance, yet time and again we meet people whose lives have been transformed through creative practice,” she said.
“Through Makers of Meaning, we want to celebrate those stories and remind people that art remains a deeply human need.”
Established in 2009, the West End Film Festival was created to support grassroots filmmaking and foster connections between artists and local communities.
The festival has grown from a small local event into a respected platform for emerging and independent filmmakers, while maintaining its focus on creativity, collaboration and community engagement.
Having their work selected for the festival represents an important milestone for Tom and Danielle, whose passion for storytelling extends beyond their own creative projects and into the classroom.
As educators, they bring real-world industry experience into their teaching, helping TAFE Queensland students develop practical skills while encouraging them to find and share meaningful stories of their own.
Tom and Danielle are currently in pre-production on additional documentaries for the Makers of Meaning series, continuing their mission to uncover the extraordinary stories hidden within everyday lives.