Case Study - Akadi PDX

Chef Fatou Ouattara is the owner of Akadi PDX, a West African restaurant in Portland, Oregon. While pursuing her undergraduate degree in Portland, Fatou felt homesick, longing for family and the familiar flavors of her West African culture. To reconnect with her roots, she started cooking in her dorm, and word (and aroma) quickly spread about her delicious food. Before long, she found herself cooking for numerous people who eventually became her friends. Recognizing her talent and potential, they encouraged her to open a restaurant.

Fatou's passion lies in introducing the Portland community to West African cuisine while providing a safe haven for other African immigrants. What was once a solitary experience marked by loneliness has undergone a transformation and blossomed into a vibrant and dynamic community.

This film was created using the Muse Storytelling process and is the result of a collaborative effort by a team of incredible filmmakers from across the country who assumed various roles to bring it to fruition.

Directed by Brenda Turteltaub Feldstein

Director of Photography - Christian Surtz

Cinematographer - Ita Udo-Ema

Lead Interviewer - Joe Kania

Lead Researcher - Sharon Spangler

Producer - Pablo Mazariegos

Edited by - Michael Stringfield