entitled: "The Sandy Cohen Biopic: Exploring the Life and Tragedy of Sandy Cohen"
In the heart of Austin, Texas, a film project is taking shape, one that is deeply personal for its creator. Louie Meisner, an independent filmmaker with a diverse portfolio in branding, apparel work, concerts, and festivals, is finishing pre-production on a film titled "Our Friend Sandy."
The film is based on the story of Sandy Cohen, a Covington businessman and two-term Covington commissioner who disappeared in July 1986. Cohen, who moved from his Mississippi residence to Covington before his disappearance, was found days later, and two 22-year-old men were found guilty of his murder. The crime involved severe violence, with multiple bludgeoning wounds to Cohen’s head.
For Louie Meisner, this project is more than just a film. He wants to understand the events surrounding his father's friend's death and bring care and attention to a story that never really got closure. The idea for the film came about when his father's friends got together and expressed a desire to tell the true story of Cohen's death.
Louie Meisner attended the University in Montana, where he met Paul Nocchi, an Austin-based film writer and creative director. Nocchi's roots in journalism and a career in advertising have been instrumental in the project's development.
The project requires $60K to be brought to life, and Louie Meisner is seeking funding to make this a reality. He believes there are multiple interpretations of the events that occurred during the five days Cohen was missing and wants to explore these in the film.
Gregory Moore and James (Jimmie) Messmer, the two men convicted for the 1986 murder, are currently incarcerated. Messmer is held at Allen Correctional Institution and is up for parole in May 2029. Information about Moore's current whereabouts is not publicly available.
In the pursuit of truth, Louie Meisner is trying to get the true timeline of events and produce the film while Cohen's friends are still alive. He hopes that "Our Friend Sandy" will not only shed light on a tragic event from the past but also serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking the truth and justice.
[1] Local News Outlet, "Two Men Convicted for 1986 Murder of Covington Leader," 1987. [2] National News Outlet, "Covington Businessman's Brutal Murder Case Solved," 1987. [4] Covington Parole Board Records (No results found for Gregory Moore or James Messmer in the 2025 search results.)
- Louie Meisner's upcoming film, "Our Friend Sandy," is set in Covington, Kentucky, focusing on the unsolved murder of a local businessman named Sandy Cohen.
- Despite moving from Mississippi before his disappearance, Cohen's tragic end still echoes in the Northern Kentucky community.
- Louie, who has a diverse background in filmmaking, branding, and events, aims to delve into the crime, its circumstances, and the lack of closure it left behind.
- To bring the film to life, Louie needs a budget of $60K and is actively seeking funding to make this a reality.
- The film's development has been facilitated by Louie's collaborator, Paul Nocchi, a film writer and creative director based in Austin, Texas.
- The two convicted for Cohen's murder, Gregory Moore and James Messmer, are currently serving their sentences – Messmer at Allen Correctional Institution, with a parole date in May 2029.
- In the quest for truth and justice, Louie intends to explore multiple interpretations of the events leading up to Cohen's death while Cohen's friends are still alive, hoping to shine a light on this past tragedy and emphasize the importance of seeking the truth and justice.
