By Itu Phalane
Welcome to NYWIFT, Farah Otero-Amad!
Farah Otero-Amad is a trilingual video producer and host for The Wall Street Journal, where she writes, shoots, and edits short-form vertical videos that reach millions across platforms. She recently directed and produced her first award-winning short documentary, Breaking the Cycle, which follows a hip-hop school in Medellin, Colombia, where students compete for the title of the city’s top breakdancer. Previously, Farah worked for The New York Times, Apple TV’s The Problem with Jon Stewart, and NBC News. She is a graduate of Columbia’s Journalism School, a Fulbright Scholar, and a former Division I athlete.
In our interview, she describes how her passion for storytelling and immersive journalism drives her creative approach, enabling her to connect with audiences worldwide and shed light on underrepresented stories through her work.
NYWIFT Member Farah Otero-Amad
Can you give our readers a short introduction to who you are?
I’m Farah! I’m a video producer, journalist, and filmmaker from California, passionate about making global issues feel personal and accessible. I currently produce and host short-form videos at The Wall Street Journal. This year I directed and produced my first short documentary, Breaking the Cycle, which explores a hip-hop school in Medellin, Colombia. Previously, I worked as a video journalist at The New York Times where I covered urgent stories including the 2024 Presidential Election, the Supreme Court’s TikTok ruling, and Columbia University protest arrests that reignited the national debate on free speech.
Farah interviewing the founder of 4Eskuela, a hip-hop school in Medellin for her short documentary Breaking the Cycle.
What brought you to NYWIFT?
I joined NYWIFT because I wanted to be part of a community that supports women’s voices in media and to grow alongside others who are passionate about film, television, and journalism.
How has your multicultural background influenced your journey as a storyteller?
From the time I was six, dinner conversations at home were filled with debates about politics and issues in my parents’ native countries—spoken in English, Spanish, Arabic, or often a mix of all three. Language opened the door to storytelling. It took me to Colombia, where I reported on the breakdance scene in Medellin, and allowed me to bring my expertise on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria for The New York Times. I’m driven to tell the stories of people whose voices often go unheard, and I’m inspired by those who press on against the odds.
Farah testing studio equipment for The New York Times.
Can you share a particularly challenging or memorable experience you had while working at The Wall Street Journal?
My first assignment at The Wall Street Journal was producing and hosting a video outside the Coliseo de Puerto Rico for Bad Bunny’s 30 show concert residency—my favorite artist! I interviewed fans, shot footage inside the concert and around San Juan, and edited the material into a video highlighting how his residency is boosting Puerto Rico’s economy, reaching millions online.
Farah hosting a Video for The Wall Street Journal outside of the Coliseo de Puerto Rico on how Bad Bunny’s concert residency is boosting Puerto Rico’s economy.
What was your experience like working as an Associate Producer on The Problem with Jon Stewart, and in what ways did it differ from your previous roles in traditional news production?
At The Problem with Jon Stewart, I researched national issues from U.S. foreign policy and defense spending to gender-affirming care. I helped produce The War Over Gender, including Stewart’s viral interview with Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge; the episode earned a GLAAD Award and sparked a national conversation on trans rights and government overreach.
Unlike traditional news, our team used footage and research to highlight hypocrisy and absurdities, transforming complex topics into engaging narratives. The goal was to find clarity in the noise and uncover integrity from corruption.
Farah speaking at the Columbia Journalism School about her experience working on The Problem withbJon Stewart.
As a documentary producer, what is your process for selecting and researching the stories you choose to tell?
My process starts with finding a story I’m excited about—one that’s visually engaging, has strong characters, and resonates globally. I’m half Colombian and the first time I traveled to Medellin, I was immediately taken away by the warmth of the people, the beauty of the city, and its overall vibe. I remember taking a tour and learning that Medellin was once considered one of the most dangerous places in the world. Now, it’s a cultural hub full of art, dance, and music. I wanted to capture that transformation and spotlight the people making it happen through the arts.
Farah on set at 4Eskula.
How has mentoring young filmmakers at Reel Works in Brooklyn influenced your personal storytelling approach?
Mentoring young filmmakers at Reel Works has taught me to think like an editor while letting their creativity lead. I guide, give feedback, and help them bounce ideas around, but they’re the ones crafting and driving the story. It has made me approach my own storytelling with more empathy, patience, and focus on authentic voices.
Farah on assignment at the Columbia Journalism School.
Without revealing confidential information, could you discuss any key insights you gained while working on highly sensitive projects, like the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell series for Peacock TV?
In 2020, I worked on Epstein’s Shadow: Ghislaine Maxwell, a three-part investigative series on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Five years later, the story remains highly relevant. The project required reaching out to survivors, conducting deep-dive research, combing through legal documents, and collaboratively shaping the narrative. It was my first exposure to documentary work, and I learned about story arcs and using investigative tools to uncover the truth. Most importantly, it taught me how to amplify the voices of survivors in one of the most high-profile abuse cases of the #MeToo era.
Connect with Farah Otero-Amad on LinkedIn and her Website, and follow her on Instagram at @farah_oteroamad.
(All images courtesy of Farah Otero-Amad.)
Itu Phalane
Itu Phalane is a student at CUNY Hunter College, where she studies film and media. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is an aspiring photographer, a passion that complements her interest in film.
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