NO MAN’S LAND, about the Alapine lesbian community founded in rural Alabama in the 1970s, has won the Audience Award for Best Short Film (all categories) at the 30th Annual Florida Film Festival, where it held its World Premiere. The film was produced and directed by Anna Andersen and Gabriella Canal, and edited by Karen Kourtessis of bicoastal Union. On the spot front, the editor recently garnered attention for the anthemic “Bridge to Possible – Powering an Inclusive Future for All,” for Cisco, via The Hatch.
“The entire cast and crew of NO MAN’S LAND is made up of badass women, so I loved every minute of cutting it,” said Kourtessis, whose work spans commercials and music videos, in addition to short form and long form documentaries. “Anna and Gaby captured the characters in a tone that made me fall in love with them. I think it comes through in every scene of the film.”
The beautifully photographed NO MAN’S LAND explores the “womyn’s” coming-out stories of Alapine’s founders, what inspired them to create a separatist space in the first place, and their concerns for the future of their home.
Other recent work edited by Kourtessis includes: a campaign from Cotton Inc. and fashion brand The Great: created via DDB New York, directed by Kat Keene, and produced by Caviar ahead of National Women’s History Month 2020, “Rosie Reborn” is inspired by the iconic WWII icon Rosie the Riveter, to honor the strides women have made in the workforce over the past 75 years pairing the strength and durability of authentic cotton denim; and the Pillsbury doc “Welcome Home” (created via Pereira O’Dell, directed by Ritesh Gupta of Search & Destroy), which follows a member of a US military family returning to civilian life with the help of the brand’s Operation Homefront.
Distinguished by powerfully effective storytelling – regardless of the genre – Kourtessis’s commercial projects have consistently garnered acclaim, including Clios, Cannes Lions, and an EMMY® nomination, among other honors.
Now in its 31st year, the Florida Film Festival is an Oscar®-qualifying festival, premiering the best in current, independent, and international cinema. Through 14 days of 160 films and first-class events, film lovers mingle with filmmakers and celebrities over hand-crafted cocktails and a delicious menu at eden bar and inside enzian theater.
About Union
Union Editorial has offices located in Los Angeles, New York, Austin, and London, where it maintains an alliance with Marshall Street Editors. The company also develops and produces original content through its Union Entertainment Group banner. Other Union companies include Hunter, which provides finishing services, vfx, graphics and mix for commercials, features and gaming. Union is presided over by Partner/Managing Director Michael Raimondi alongside Executive Producer Joe Ross in LA, Partner/Managing Director Caryn Maclean alongside Executive Producer Melissa Lubin in NY, Executive Producer Vicki Russell in Austin, and Logan Aries, Executive Producer of Hunter. The Union roster is comprised of Partner/Editors Jim Haygood, Einar Thorsteinsson, Jay Friedkin, Sloane Klevin, Marco Perez, Merritt Duff, Graham Turner, and editors Chris Huth, Daniel Luna, Laura Milstein, Jason Lucas, Karen Kourtessis, Kevin Ray, Nicholas Wayman-Harris, Rachael Waxler, Zach Kashkett, Andrea MacArthur, Amanda Perry, and Rick Lawley, as well as select projects with Teddy Gersten, Tim Thornton-Allan, Matt Chesse, John Mayes, Spencer Ferszt, Paul Plew and the Marshall Street roster.
