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The Untold Story Of Bert Kish: 7 Essential Facts About The Longmire Director And Editor

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The name Bert Kish, while perhaps not a household name, is a deeply respected and influential one within the Canadian and American television and film industries. As of late 2025, his legacy continues to resonate, particularly among fans of critically acclaimed series like Longmire and 12 Monkeys. Kish was a versatile and prolific talent who seamlessly transitioned between the roles of director, editor, and producer, leaving behind a body of work that spanned decades and genres.

This comprehensive look, updated with the most complete biographical details, explores the life, career, and lasting impact of a filmmaker whose career was tragically cut short. From his family ties to a legendary Canadian documentarian to his final, impactful projects, Bert Kish’s story is one of dedication and passion for the craft of visual storytelling.

Bert Kish: Full Biography and Profile

Bert Kish was a renowned Canadian filmmaker, celebrated for his sharp editorial eye and his skillful direction across both television and feature films. His career was marked by a commitment to quality, often working on complex and high-stakes productions.

  • Full Name: Bert Kish
  • Date of Birth: September 15, 1965
  • Place of Birth: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
  • Nationality: Canadian
  • Father: Albert Kish (1937–2015), a celebrated Canadian-Hungarian documentary filmmaker.
  • Stepmother: Katalin Futo, an engineer.
  • Sibling: Colin Kish (Brother)
  • Spouse: Vanessa Trachewsky
  • Children: One child
  • Professions: Film Director, Editor, Producer, Writer, Cinematographer
  • Notable Projects: Longmire, 12 Monkeys, Hemlock Grove, The Firm, Stranded in Paradise.
  • Date of Death: May 24, 2017
  • Age at Death: 51
  • Cause of Death: Cancer (widely reported).

The Filmmaking Dynasty: A Legacy Rooted in Cinema

Bert Kish’s path into the film industry was, in many ways, an inheritance, as he was the son of a true master of Canadian cinema: Albert Kish. Born in Hungary, Albert Kish became a highly influential Canadian-Hungarian documentary filmmaker after immigrating to Montreal in 1956. This familial connection provided Bert with an early and deep exposure to the art of filmmaking and visual narrative.

The elder Kish, Albert, was known for his impactful, often short-form documentaries that captured the essence of Canadian life and culture. Bert’s upbringing in this environment—surrounded by cameras, editing equipment, and discussions about storytelling—undoubtedly shaped his professional trajectory. This shared legacy is a poignant detail of Bert’s life; he passed away in 2017, just two years after his father succumbed to cancer in 2015.

This background instilled in Bert a profound understanding of the entire production process. He was not just a director who focused on the set, nor just an editor confined to the cutting room; he mastered multiple disciplines, including cinematography and writing. This versatility is a hallmark of filmmakers raised in the independent and documentary traditions, where one must often wear many hats. His brother, Colin Kish, also pursued a career in the industry, further cementing the family's ties to Canadian film.

The Versatile Career of an Editor and Director

Kish’s career was characterized by a remarkable ability to excel on both sides of the camera—in the director’s chair and, crucially, in the editing suite. While he directed several notable TV movies and features, his work as an editor on major television series is what brought him widespread industry recognition and is a key part of his topical authority within the world of prestige television.

Key Editorial and Directorial Contributions

His editorial precision was vital to the success of several popular and critically acclaimed shows. The role of an editor is often understated, yet it is the editor who crafts the final rhythm, tone, and emotional impact of a story. Bert Kish’s involvement in these projects speaks volumes about his skill:

  • Longmire (2015–2016): Kish served as an editor on the acclaimed Netflix crime drama, a role that required meticulous attention to pacing and character development across complex, season-long arcs. His work helped define the show's distinct, atmospheric feel.
  • 12 Monkeys (2014–2018): He was also an editor for the time-travel science fiction series, a show demanding structural clarity to manage its intricate, non-linear narrative.
  • Hemlock Grove (2013–2015): Kish contributed his editorial expertise to the dark, supernatural horror series produced by Netflix, showcasing his adaptability across different genres.
  • The Firm (2012): Based on the John Grisham novel, Kish worked on this legal thriller, demonstrating his ability to handle fast-paced, high-stakes drama.

Beyond the editing suite, Kish proved his talent as a director, particularly in the realm of made-for-television movies, often showcasing a lighter, more character-driven side of his filmmaking. These projects, while sometimes overlooked, are essential to understanding his full range as a storyteller.

  • Stranded in Paradise (2014): A notable romantic comedy that he directed, starring Vanessa Marcil and James Denton.
  • Snow Bride (2013): A popular holiday-themed movie that cemented his reputation for directing cozy, feel-good narratives.
  • Holiday Switch (2000): An earlier Christmas film, indicating his long-standing experience in the director's chair.
  • Cypher (2002): An early 2000s thriller that he edited, further demonstrating his range in the action and suspense genres.

Kish also ran his own production company, E4 Films, highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to independent filmmaking throughout his career.

Personal Life, Family, and Tragic Passing

While Bert Kish was dedicated to his professional life, he was also a devoted family man. He was married to Vanessa Trachewsky, and the couple shared one child. His family life remained largely private, but the deep loss felt by his wife and child upon his passing was widely acknowledged by his peers in the industry.

Tragically, Bert Kish passed away on May 24, 2017, at the age of 51. The cause of death was widely reported to be cancer, the same disease that claimed his father's life two years prior. His death came at a point when his career was arguably at its peak, having just finished his work on high-profile series like Longmire and 12 Monkeys.

His passing prompted a wave of tributes from colleagues and production companies, who remembered him not only for his technical brilliance but also for his collaborative spirit and positive presence on set. The industry mourned the loss of a multi-talented individual who had contributed significantly to the landscape of Canadian and American television. His legacy continues through the impactful and well-crafted episodes and films he left behind, a testament to his enduring passion as a storyteller.

Bert Kish: A Timeline of Key Entities and Projects

To fully appreciate the scope of Bert Kish’s career, it is helpful to review the list of key projects and entities he was associated with, demonstrating his depth as a creative professional:

  • 1997: Editorial work on the TV series The Woman Nikita.
  • 1998: Involvement in the TV series Power Play.
  • 2000: Directs the holiday film Holiday Switch.
  • 2002: Editor for the thriller film Cypher.
  • 2007: Directs the thriller The Deadly Pledge.
  • 2012: Works as an editor on the TV series The Firm.
  • 2013: Directs the TV movie Snow Bride.
  • 2013–2015: Editor on the horror series Hemlock Grove.
  • 2014: Directs the romantic comedy Stranded in Paradise.
  • 2014–2017: Editor on the sci-fi series 12 Monkeys.
  • 2015: His father, Albert Kish, passes away.
  • 2015–2016: Editor on the hit crime drama Longmire.
  • 2017: Bert Kish passes away at age 51.
who was bert kish
who was bert kish

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