11 September 2019

Students at TAFE NSW are getting ahead of the competition through top-of-the-line instruction from expert teachers like Dana-Lee Mierowsky Bennett.

Dana-Lee is an internationally recognised, award-winning director, writer and producer who teaches screen and media at TAFE NSW. Her new short film Sammy is making waves in the international film scene.

Sammy follows the story of a ten-year-old girl displaced from war, who shelters in a series of underground tunnels. What you might not imagine is that the short was filmed at TAFE NSW Ryde.

“We converted an underground air conditioning system into a series of post-apocalyptic style tunnels.

“It was excellent to have the support of TAFE NSW to bring the film to life. Many TAFE NSW students helped out on the film, including hospitality students who supplied some of the catering,” said Dana-Lee.

Sammy screened at the Silicon Beach Film Festival in Los Angeles where it won Best Family Short and it won Best Child Actress at Indie Shorts.

When she’s not making award-winning films, Dana-Lee is teaching lucky students at TAFE NSW in screen and media.

“I’ve always loved educating, and I love teaching students screen and media to help them realise their on-screen dreams.

“One of my favourite moments was bringing together a group of acting and directing students from Sydney Theatre School and TAFE NSW Northern Beaches to work with each other first hand – it was great to see them using their theoretical knowledge in practice.

“I know that my students are getting industry-current, practical training that they can take with them into their chosen careers,” Dana-Lee said.

With more than 1200 courses and talented educators with real-world experience, TAFE NSW can help you realise your career goals. To find out what courses are on offer, visit www.tafensw.com.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, mobile 0402 528 210