Who We Are

Otessa Marie Ghadar

FoundeR & DIRECTOR

Otessa Marie Ghadar is a digital storyteller who uses writing, filmmaking, photography, and technology to share her narratives and build communities. As one of the web series medium’s earliest adopters, Otessa is a true forerunner of digital media. Starting in 2006, Otessa’s web series "Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden" is now the longest continually running show online, with an international audience in over 145 countries.

Otessa founded the DC Web Fest (one of the first of its kind) 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 newly initiated Google Next Generation Policy leader, Otessa works diligently to increase technology awareness and innovation among minority and marginalized communities

She resides in Washington DC, and is currently working on two trans-media projects — A new podcast, “Conversations with Hysterical Womxn” & the Young Adult Science Fiction series, "Lemma."

She Completed her Graduate Film Studies at Columbia University's film school in NYC.

Diana Eaton

Program manager & Photographer

Diana has a strong passion for using her creativity to express her deepest thoughts, emotions, and life experiences from a Christian perspective through various art forms. From making hip-hop beats to producing documentaries, she is determined to create uplifting content that will address real issues, while highlighting the keys to the true love, peace, and freedom that everyone deserves to enjoy. Diana is currently co-producing an upcoming podcast that will address the many toxic cultures, myths and misrepresentations of the Christian faith.

Romeo Cabarga

Analyst & Web Developer

Romeo has worked for the DC Web Fest since 2014 as event support, designer, and VR coordinator, just to name a few of his various roles. When he's not collecting social analytics or maintaining our web site, he enjoys playing music and enjoying everything DC has to offer. A DC native and student at The University of Utah, he has a strong interests in film, technology and supporting the future of new media.