Cat Film Festival Grows in the US

Additional dates have been added to admire the feline antics on the big screen.

Who said that man's best friend was the dog? When next to it, there is another four-legged animal, king of blunders that we often find ourselves laughing at in front of one of these many videos scrolling on social networks. Small or big balls of fur, cats are an integral part of our daily lives. Sometimes cute, sometimes simple, they are the sure bet of any good blooper reel. Enough to allow as many people as possible to gather at the cinema to laugh together.

Since 2016, in the United States and Canada, it has been possible to watch 1h15 of funny videos with cats in the cast, and more cats. This is the Cat Video Fest. On the program, as the trailer suggests, a compilation of the best videos of domestic felines, some already known on the Internet: cats stealing food, cats with hats, others with chicks… In short, kittens that are too cute.

Behind the concept, festival director Will Braden explained to Varietythat he spent a third of his year collecting the videos and asking their owners for permission to broadcast them, a second third editing them, and a final third distributing them and responding to the press:

“It's a full-time job. My business card says I watch cat videos.”

A graduate of the Seattle Film Institute, he first made a short film featuring… a cat! Before turning to this festival by chance:

“I certainly didn't have this idea in mind when I was in school, but I also didn't think I was going to be the next Martin Scorsese. As long as it makes people laugh and raises money for cats in need, then I've got the best job.”

Because that is where the added value of this festival lies. The public comes to share their love for these little creatures and each hundred The money collected is then donated to local associations that help abandoned cats. Something you can't do when you watch cat videos on your smartphone.

Since 2019, $150,000 has been raised for these associations. And this year, the edition organized from August 3 to 4 raised twice as much money as last year. It won $280,000 and collected $30,000 for shelters.

The edition is such a success that dates have been added. Will cat madness one day reach France?