OTESSA GHADAR, a Washington D.C. native, is an independent film maker and web series creator on the rise. Since 2007, Otessa has been an acclaimed pioneer of the of the web series format. She is the creative force behind “Orange Juice in Bishops Garden (OJBG),” one of the oldest and longest running web series, and the Founder and President of 20/20 Productions, a new media company that consults, produces, and distributes independent new media productions. Otessa has been named as a recent Filmmaker of the Month by the DC Office of Motion Picture and Television Development and has been recognized as an ITV Innovator. She organized and hosted the First DC Web Series Festival in April 2013 and arranged for the first screening of web series at the 27th Annual Washington, DC International Film Festival (Filmfest DC). Her show, “Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden,” continues to rise in popularity and has gained viewership in over 140 countries around the world. The show is a Telly Award Winner, three time LA Web Fest Winner, two time Webby Award Official Honoree, and has had screenings at The OUTlander Project at SXSW and Dinah Shore Weekend.

Otessa’s show has sparked a loyal following among fans. Presenting an honest and diverse portrayal of American teen life during adolescence, OJBG gives a voice to LGBTQ identities everywhere. The show has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for making a positive contribution to the LGBT community. Much like Otessa, OJBG is thought-provoking and sincere; it embodies the rebelliousness of the ’90s grunge era while tackling social issues that surround youth across the world, such as sexuality, bullying, peer pressure, and intolerance.  Through fiction and film, Otessa and her show seek to empower and connect young adults around the world and advocate for tolerance and freedom within media and communications. She’s not afraid of taking risks and hopes to make a positive impact on current policies and perspectives on LGBTQ youth and new media. With Otessa and her work, nothing is taboo, nothing too personal, or impossible to change.

VIDEO: Otessa Ghadar adresses global appeal and phenomenon of OJBG