Photo by Joe Carabeo
About
Otessa Ghadar (Founder)
As the Founder and Director of 2020 Productions, and The DC Web Fest, I apply a creator and culture catalyst, with an intersectional lens to solving the most pressing challenges in STEAM, tech, creative content, and Future Systems. I advocate for women, minorities, immigrants, and entrepreneurs by building communities of support and empowerment. My approach is creative, intersectional, and futuristic. My inspiration comes from the arts, tech, human beings, and from my love for teaching. I am available for speaking engagements, advising, consulting, and creative collaborations.
Her work has been featured & awarded in The National Museum of Women in the Arts, Webbys, Tellys, Huffington Post, KoldCast Media (Viral with 8+ million views for Web Series Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden), After Ellen, recognized by Human Rights Campaign, Reason To Have Pride — Advocate. She has spoken at The National Museum of Women in the Arts, Kennedy Center, Bard College, American University, Embassy of Australia, Guggenheim, Bilbao, Die Seriale, Dina Shore Weekend, Biseries Land (Bilbao Web Fest), Marseille Web Fest
Otessa founded the DC Web Fest (one of the first of its kind & now in its 10th year) out of the need for digital content creators to showcase their works, inspiring creativity and innovation.
As an Adjunct Professor at A.U., and through additional guest lecturing, Otessa uses her passions to guide the next generation of digital storytellers. Stemming from her knowledge and expertise, she published the world’s first new media textbook called "The Wild West of Film."
In addition to speaking, she also enjoys exhibiting her work, having shown work as part of FotoWeek DC, Transformer Gallery, The National Museum for Women in the Arts, amongst others.
A Google Next Generation Policy leader, Otessa works diligently to increase technology awareness and innovation among minority and marginalized communities
She Completed her Graduate Film Studies at Columbia University's film school in NYC.
Awards & Accolades
Library of Congress: LGBTQ Changemakers "Queering the Visual" At the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
Google Next Generation Policy Leader, Dec 2016 - Present
Honoree, Human Rights Campaign, 2013
Recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for making a positive contribution to the LGBT community, at the Dinah Shore Weekend.
6 Time Telly Award Winner
3 Time Official Honoree Webby Awards