Ya’Ke Smith is an award-winning writer, director, and producer known for his grounded, emotionally powerful storytelling. Working across narrative film, television, and documentary projects, he creates stories that explore identity, community, faith, family, and the social forces that shape our lives.

In addition to his commercial work includes brands like Nike and Blue Bell,  Ya’Ke Smith’s film projects have screened and won awards at more than 100 film festivals worldwide. His acclaimed short film Katrina’s Son screened at over 40 festivals, won 14 awards, and was eligible for Academy Award consideration. His debut feature film, Wolf, premiered at SXSW, while his films Dawn, Brother, Edwin, The Pandemic Chronicles, and Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom have earned recognition from audiences, critics, and festivals across the country.

His work has been featured on HBO, PBS, BET, Lifetime, REELZ, and other major platforms. Ya’Ke has directed episodes of BET’s Tales and Sacrifice, produced and directed Lifetime’s Black Girl Missing, and directed episodes of the acclaimed docuseries Text Me When You Get Home. His documentary Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom aired nationally on PBS, while The Pandemic Chronicles received theatrical distribution through Full Spectrum Features.

In addition to his filmmaking career, Ya’Ke is a nationally recognized educator and thought leader. A professor at the University of Texas at Austin and former Associate Dean in the Moody College of Communication, he has been recognized by Variety as one of the world’s leading film educators. His work and commentary have been featured by NPR, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Variety, Vogue, Filmmaker Magazine, and numerous national publications.