Fischer Edit/FX Blog

On the three year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina “Left Behind Without a Choice” premieres. “Left Behind Without a Choice” is a feature-length documentary about the animal rescue effort in New Orleans focusing particularly on a group of Minnesotans who volunteered through Utah based Best Friends Animal Society.

Fischer Edit’s Katie Carpenter offered her expertise to Director Kim Walsh-Borgan’s project, putting together an 80-minute film she is excited to share with the world. “I’m glad that it’s finally here. It’s been a long process but I’ve learned through all of it.” Carpenter like many arriving to tomorrow’s premiere is also quick to point out the reality that many may have forgotten. “It’s exciting to celebrate after spending time and effort, but it’s also important to spread the message that there’s still a lot of need.”

Throughout the editing process, Carpenter went through over 20+ hours of interviews and b-roll footage as there were so many different stories to tell. “It was hardest to cut some of the characters because each person interviewed had something very special to share from their experiences in New Orleans,” she explains. And of the animals themselves? “There were some tears. It’s very touching…I tried to craft a sense of hope from this story.”
“Left Behind Without a Choice” premieres with a red-carpet event Friday, August 29, 2008 at 7PM in two theaters at Carmike Cinemas in Oakdale. The premiere is sponsored in part by Fearless Filmmakers of Minneapolis and Animal Ark, a Minnesota-based no-kill shelter. Proceeds from the event will benefit the shelter: tickets are available at the theater or can be reserved here.

Take a look at Katie’s blog for more information.

“Left Behind Without a Choice”

Documentary

When Kim Walsh Borgan (director; former Campbell Mithun employee) approached me about editing a documentary about the Hurricane Katrina animal rescue effort, I enthusiastically said “yes!” and it has been an honor working with Kim and the rest of the crew on “Left Behind Without a Choice.”

Hurricane Katrina left a path of physical and emotional devastation across the Gulf Coast region.  Not only were people forced to evacuate their homes, but they were also told that they had to leave their animals behind. In fact, many human lives were lost because they would not leave without their pets.

I remember very clearly seeing those haunting images on the news of a dog standing on the roof of a submerged car or a cat climbing to safety on a rooftop.  It was beyond comprehension that they were left to survive the five feet of toxic floodwaters without any human aid.

A group of dedicated volunteers, organized by Best Friends Animal Society came to the rescue. Working day and night, they were able to save thousands of animals (dogs, cats…even tarantulas!) in what became the largest animal rescue effort in American history.

Volunteers at Best Friends’ Tylertown, Mississippi rescue camp

Kim Walsh Borgan was one of those volunteers.  Kim took home movies and photos documenting her multiple experiences working at one of Best Friends’ rescue camps.  

Kim Walsh Borgan with a rescued dog

Another thing she took away from the experience was a rescued orange Tabby kitten named Linus!  When she returned, she was inspired to tell her story and honor the volunteers who made great personal sacrifices for the love of animals.                      

I am inspired by Kim and the volunteers featured in the documentary who miraculously found hope, beauty, and even humor in the one of the darkest experiences of their lives.  The film really is about the significant bond between humans and animals.  And, even though the floodwaters have receded, we still have a long way to go in helping the animals and people of the Gulf Coast Region.  My hope is that this film will inspire people to get involved in the effort.

A heart-warming reunion 

“The entire country shouldn’t forget.  It isn’t better.  It isn’t done.  It was big.”

-Sherry Woodard

Animal Behaviorist; Best Friends Animal Society

Original music was composed for the film by Minneapolis musicians Marc Perlman (Jayhawks), Jessy Greene, and Wally Borgan. 

Two of the tracks featured in the film:

• Memories by Marc Perlman
• Thick N Thin by Jessy Greene

The film will premiere in Minnesota August 29^th 2008 on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.  Stay tuned for more information.

by editor Katie Carpenter
Fischer Edit
Minneapolis, Minn.