A screen usually reserved for the high points of cinema will instead be filled with cat videos at 4 p.m. this Saturday at IU Cinema for "CatVideoFest 2019."
"CatVideoFest 2019" is a compilation of cat videos ranging from music videos to classic Internet content, according to IU Cinema’s website.
Tickets are available for $4 online and at the door before the show and a portion of the proceeds go to support "Lil BUB’s Big FUND for the ASPCA," a fundraiser aimed at assisting pets with special needs nationwide.
A part of the "International Arthouse" series, this collection of videos is out of the ordinary for its lack of human characters. However, this isn’t the first time that IU Cinema has flaunted a feline feature. In March 2017, IU Cinema screened “KEDI,” a documentary about Turkish street cats.
“KEDI remains one of the most well-attended set of screenings in our history,” said Brittany Friesner, IU cinema associate director and self-described certifiable cat lady.
"CatVideoFest 2019" will hopefully draw a large crowd as well.
“We figured it was the perfect opportunity to have a fun, engaging event that would appeal to all ages across campus and the Bloomington community,” Friesner also said.
This screening adds a philanthropic note to the cat movie premiere. This film acts as a promotional opportunity and fundraiser for “Lil BUB’s Big FUND for the ASCPA.” This charity is directed at providing financial assistance to dogs, cats and other pets needing expensive surgery or medical care that could otherwise be prohibitively expensive to their owners.
Lil BUB, an internet-famous cat from Bloomington, is unable to attend the premiere. Nonetheless, she will be featured in a pre-screening introduction video.
