Meet our Team

We are a diverse, multicultural team of professionals bringing unique skills and perspectives. Together, we share a passion for storytelling and work collaboratively to create engaging narratives that celebrate our communities. Our goal is to craft meaningful experiences that resonate with audiences and highlight the diverse voices that shape our society.

Manuel Saez sitting in a chair posing in front of a camera

  • Director, Founder
    Acting School

    Manuel Saez is an accomplished actor and theatre director, trained at Universidad Arcis and Teatro la Memoria in Santiago, Chile. Now based in Melbourne, he is dedicated to creating and facilitating theatre courses for diverse groups, including migrants and seniors, in both English and Spanish. With a strong commitment to amplifying the stories of those who have shaped the city, Manuel draws on 20 years of experience, having directed plays across Santiago, Wellington, Auckland, and Melbourne. His work celebrates the power of storytelling and community connection.

  • Co-founder
    Marketing & Design

    Camila Fernandez is our graphic designer and art director. Co-founder of Smoko Company back in 2016, Camila brings a strong blend of design and marketing expertise, playing a vital role in promoting Smoko’s work and connecting with diverse audiences. Camila's skills in web design, film, and photography have not only shaped the visual identity of Smoko Media but also fueled her innovative ideas that bring the company’s stories to life, both online and offline. Her creative vision and strategic mindset ensure that Smoko’s narratives resonate deeply within the community, making a lasting impact.

  • Director
    Audiovisual and music production

    Álvaro Pavez is a software engineer with a profound passion for film photography and music. He expertly crafts compelling audiovisual narratives, capturing the essence of people’s stories through his lens and composing unique musical pieces that deepen the emotional impact of each narrative. With a creative vision and strong production skills, Álvaro has been instrumental in producing and documenting the work of Smoko Media, bringing a fresh and distinctive perspective to the art of storytelling.

  • Content creation
    Methodologies and narratives

    Maria Jesus is a dedicated educator with a passion for cultural programs and narrative creation. With extensive experience in people-centered educational projects across Chile and New Zealand, she plays a crucial role in ensuring that Smoko’s narratives, work ethics, and vision reflect the mission of sharing compelling stories of real people. Maria Jesus designs and implements effective methodologies that promote consistency and integrity in Smoko’s storytelling, significantly enriching the impact of the company’s work.