MILL VALLEY, USA // Katina is a film director and empowerer. As a director, she tells stories that illuminate the hidden joys of human existence. Whether a short film or a commercial for a multinational company, her work maintains an integrity to the core essence of a usually positive and inspirational message. Her awards include a Grand CLIO Award (2014) and a nomination for outstanding directorial achievement from the Directors Guild of America (2015) in addition to numerous screenings at the TED Conferences and Cannes Lions.

Katina directed her first film in Kenya while conducting research on exorcism rituals by indigenous Swahili doctors. After graduating from college she worked as an international documentary producer at the United Nations and for several independent directors. 

She moved from the documentary world into the commercial world when she met Everynone director Daniel Mercadante. The two developed a partnership and now direct short films and commercials together as The Mercadantes and are represented by production company Park Pictures.

Her background as a producer makes her a hands-on director, excelling when designing commercial productions wherein real people are captured in an organic, natural way.

Katina was born in Berkeley, CA and graduated from Amherst College with a degree in Black Studies and Fine Art.  She speaks Swahili and Spanish. She and her husband live in Mill Valley, California.