Otto Baxter

Otto Baxter is a filmmaker, performer, and actor with a significant background in stage and screen, and a relatively new member of the Shadowlight Artists collective supported by Film Oxford. Born in 1987, Otto has Down Syndrome and is known for his bold, creative vision and fearless approach to storytelling. His experience spans Shakespearean theatre, a role in Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, and critically acclaimed short films, including the BAFTA-nominated Samuel 613. In 2023, Otto wrote and directed his first film, The Puppet Asylum, an ambitious autobiographical musical horror comedy starring Paul Kaye, MyAnna Buring, Dexter Fletcher, and Adeel Akhtar. This work explores themes of identity, autonomy, and resilience, and was the focus of the Sky BAFTA-winning documentary Otto Baxter: Not a F**ing Horror Story. Otto has also appeared in films such as Ups & Downs and Lola, and performed internationally with Culture Device’s drag troupe, Drag Syndrome, as his alter ego Horrora Shebang. His career reflects a commitment to challenging stereotypes and expanding representation in the arts.