M&E FILMS
Mariessa & Evan: Humanitarian video producers crafting strategic visual narratives that drive meaningful change. Combining technical expertise with deep empathy to amplify stories that matter.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
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We empower the storyteller by taking back the narrative, ensuring authentic voices are heard and stories are told with integrity and impact.
Whether we are working at an orphanage in Kenya, trekking through the rainforests of Costa Rica or riding through the dust at Burning Man, our expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives focused on driving global impact and amplifying the voices of change.
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RECENT
PROJECTS
Kenya, like many developing countries, faces significant challenges in caring for its orphaned and vulnerable children. This short film was created at the Kajiado Children's home with the hope of inspiring role models and children alike. A father says goodbye to his son after he overcame many obstacles and is now moving on to University.
The EarthShot Foundation reached out and asked us to create something impactful for their event at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. They wanted to engage their audience with an immersive video and a powerful message. We used original footage mixed with stock video to create something with modern, seamless and cinematic experience.​
Wyda is the largest aluminum producer in Latin America. They are opening up a new warehouse in North America and asked us to create a high energy, impactful video that would attract new partners within the new market. They create 100% recyclable products and are pioneer's in disposable aluminum packaging.
According to recent estimates, there are approximately 2.5 to 3 million orphans in Kenya, with about half of these children having lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS. This short film was created with the intention of showcasing the incredible efforts of Hope for Kajiado and Kajiado Children's home. Their goal is to empower the youth, nurturing them to become the leaders of tomorrow, instilling the belief that anything is possible and encouraging them to chase their dreams.
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OUR
CLIENTS
​​We collaborate with international agencies, humanitarian organizations, governmental bodies, brands, artists, and musicians. Our partnerships span a diverse range of sectors, ensuring a broad and inclusive approach to our work.
Jimmy, Hearst Media
I hired Mariessa and Evan Smith to help produce an episode of our Made Here series about how a ship in a bottle is made. I had a meeting with them, explained what we wanted to accomplish, and linked them up with the shipbuilder. Mariessa and Evan conducted a wonderful interview and shot beautiful-looking and sounding footage. I assign work to freelancers from all around the world and they are among the best! They had great communication; they asked the right questions and took initiative. I would 100% recommend them.
Gaye, Chairman, Board of Directors
This team has been an extremely valuable resource to our non-profit organization. We first engaged them in early 2023 during the planning phase of our mission trip to Kenya, East Africa. Their assistance in assessing needs and identifying goals was our first clue that their process was not only professional, but passionate to meet our needs. They traveled to Kenya with us to capture the essence of our work in Kenya as well as the hearts of the children. Our goal was to tell the story of vulnerable children creating a better future for themselves through our support of their daily needs, education and medical care at Kajiado Children's Home. A year later, we feel the results have exceeded all expectations. Our relationship has turned into a creative exchange of ideas and continued support from them. They have made such an impact in our ability to touch the hearts of individuals who can truly make a difference in the lives of these children.
I would highly recommend Mariessa and Evan Smith for any project within the US or anywhere else you need a creative and dedicated team of professionals.
NiNo, Burning Man Artist
I highly recommend Mariessa and Evan. We have worked on several film projects together and they go far and beyond to make sure we create something we are all proud of. Besides being such a great kind team, they have assisted with the script, the storytelling and how to impact our audience the best way possible. Impressive way to collaborate and hit any deadlines. I'm already bringing them on board for my next art project presentation for 2024 named COQUÍ and have no doubts, participants will enjoy this journey and put their amazing spin off to make it even better than I ever imagined.
OUR
MISSION & TEAM
"The goal of a humanitarian filmmaker is to help the world see the human within the story" It is our job to make the audience pay attention, understand, and care enough to take action.
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After meeting in the middle of the desert during Burning Man in 2015 and discovering a shared passion for film, video production, and making a positive impact in the world, Mariessa moved from London to live with Evan in California. Since then, they have been using their combined skills in video production and live television to create impactful content with the potential to drive meaningful change.
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M&E Films is dedicated to harnessing the power of visual storytelling to impact lives all around the world. Our passion drives us to craft compelling narratives for organizations at the forefront of global impact, from local initiatives to international aid efforts. We partner with those dedicated to social change, relief work, and transformative global initiatives, bringing their crucial messages to life through captivating visuals.
Simultaneously, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant world of art and culture, capturing the essence of creative expressions and the effects it has on the people that experience it. By translating both impactful missions and ephemeral artistic moments into powerful visual content, we aim to inspire action, foster compassion, and celebrate the diverse ways in which people strive to make our world better. Whether documenting humanitarian efforts or showcasing innovative artistic installations, we're committed to creating visually stunning narratives that resonate, inspire, and drive positive change on a global scale.
PROJECT
INQUIRY
We are always keen to learn about new initiatives and how organizations are making a difference. Have a project in mind? Whether you're a foundation looking for a long-term partnership or an organization with a specific campaign, we're here to listen and explore how we can help you achieve your missions goals through compelling visual storytelling.
PARTNERSHIP
We actively seek partnerships with like-minded video companies, artists, activists, and foundations. By collaborating with those who share our vision and values, we aim to amplify our collective impact and create more powerful, meaningful content. We believe that together, we can reach wider audiences and drive greater positive change in the world.
SUPPORT
There are many ways to support us;
• Hire us for your organization's video needs
• Support the causes and organizations featured in our documentaries
• Attend screenings or events where our work is showcased
• Volunteer your skills or resources for upcoming productions
• Introduce us to potential partners or clients
• Provide testimonials if you've worked with us
• Purchase or license our footage for your own projects