[press release] OTV Announces 2024 Cohort of Fellows: Championing Global Intersectional Storytellers
Emmy-nominated streaming platform Open Television (OTV) Announces 2024 Cohort of Fellows: Championing Global Intersectional Storytellers
CHICAGO, IL – May 27th, 2024 –Open Television (OTV) is thrilled to announce its 2024 cohort of fellows, marking the largest group to date with ten exceptional storytellers from around the world. This significant milestone not only highlights the growing impact and reach of OTV's mission but also kicks off the celebration of the organization's 10th anniversary taking place in 2025. Generously supported by the Ford Foundation, Pop Culture Collaborative, and Elevate Prize Foundation, this year's fellowship program is set to make a profound impact on the future of independent media through the distinct lens of 10 artists selected from across the United States, Europe, Mexico and South Africa. The 2024 OTV Fellows include: Céline Tshika (South Africa), Dante Ureta (Mexico), Fatima Eldigair (United States), Jabu Newman (South Africa), Laya Tate (United States), Michelle Zacarias (United States), Nzzy Nekay (United States), Sailesh Naidu (Germany), Stefanie Wong (United States), suhur youssouf (England))
The Importance of Global Intersectional Storytellers
In an increasingly interconnected world, the stories we tell and the voices we uplift have a profound impact on shaping societal narratives. The 2024 OTV fellows bring a wealth of diverse perspectives, reflecting a wide range of identities and experiences. “ I just want to be in a collaborative process with people who really care about each other, not just our stories but as individuals”, says Fatima Eldigair (Los Angeles, California). Their projects tackle critical issues such as racial and gender equality, mental health, reproductive rights, disability justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and socio-economic disparities, offering nuanced and authentic portrayals that resonate on a global scale.
The Future of Independent Media
OTV believes that the future of media lies in its ability to remain independent and inclusive. By championing intersectional storytellers, OTV is not only nurturing the next generation of media makers but also ensuring that independent media continues to thrive in a landscape dominated by mainstream conglomerates and insistent censorship. “I don’t think I’ve ever had the experience where I’m able to bounce my thoughts off quite openly and authentically," says Surhur Youssouf (London, England). The 2024 cohort represents the vanguard of this movement, pushing the boundaries of traditional media and creating content that is both innovative and impactful.
The Need for More Inclusive Stories
In times of division, inclusive stories have the power to foster understanding and empathy. The 2024 OTV fellows are committed to creating content that challenges stereotypes and builds bridges across different communities. Their work highlights the shared human experience, emphasizing our commonalities over our differences. By supporting these storytellers, OTV is dedicated to promoting a more inclusive media landscape that uplifts diverse voices and fosters a culture of care and solidarity. “What OTV is doing is legendary and I’m so excited for the 10th anniversary coming up next year; the team, the expertise and the resources that you provide to center artists' voices is truly what attracted me to this fellowship," says Stefanie Wong (Atlanta, Georgia).
In addition to receiving boutique mentorship, a cash stipend and a series of creative circles facilitated by Jess King, Professor at Depaul University and Author of Inclusive Storytelling for Film and TV, fellows will receive an invite to participate in “Pitch, Please!” Hosted this year in collaboration with SeriesFest on November 22, 2024, this intensive and artist-driven launch pad will stream LIVE via the #OTVAPP enables selected fellows to pitch their series, pilots, short films, and video art concepts to a panel of Creative Advisors and members of the OTV community for the chance to secure over $50,000 worth of cash prizes, resources and more.
"As we usher in the 10th anniversary of Open Television in 2025, we are more committed than ever to supporting intersectional storytellers who bring vital, diverse narratives to the forefront. The 2024 cohort, our largest to date, embodies the innovation, passion, and resilience that define the future of independent media. We are incredibly excited to invest in these extraordinary artists. Their stories will undoubtedly inspire empathy, disrupt conventional narratives, and contribute to a more inclusive and understanding world. This milestone marks a new chapter for OTV as we continue to champion the voices that matter most to our global audience. We’re truly just getting started” say Elijah McKinnon, Cofounder/Executive Director of Open Television.
MEET THE 2024 #OTVFELLOWS COHORT
About #OTVFellows
The OTV Fellowship has garnered attention for its commitment to supporting marginalized communities in the film and TV business. Previous Fellows include Robert T. Cunningham and Khaleb Brooks from 2023, Latasha Mercer and Shaan Dasani from 2022, Kristiana Rae Colon from 2021, and Karan Sunil from 2019 – all of whom have gone on to secure opportunities in Hollywood from the leading institutions such as Netflix (read HERE), Hulu (see HERE), Showtime (read HERE) and so much more! Since its launch in 2019, OTV Fellowships have served as a launch pad for colorful careers in the film and television industry for over two dozen intersectional storytellers. Follow the fellows journey at https://www.weareo.tv/fellows.
About Open Television:
OTV | Open Television is a non-profit streaming platform and media incubator for intersectional storytelling, with artists and their creative visions at the center. Since launching in 2015 as a research project housed at Northwestern University, OTV has transformed the way the film and television industry supports independent artists and communities marginalized by their race, gender, sexuality, class, disability or nationality. Through intentional artist development and holistic community development, the award-winning organization provides a network of care to identify, activate and mobilize the next generation of storytellers. In addition to serving as a streaming home (#OTVapp) for hundreds of intersectional pilots, series, short films and video art, OTV presents an annual fellowship (#OTVFellows), hosts an educational workshop series (#OTVStudyHall), and mounts an internationally recognized film competition (#BraveFutures).