Let’s address the obvious question first. Why would anyone pay to watch cat videos on the big screen when they can spend hours watching them for free online? The answer is surprisingly simple. Because CatVideoFest isn’t really about the videos themselves; it’s about sharing them.
Part compilation film, part celebration of feline absurdity, and part fundraiser for cats in need, CatVideoFest transforms the solitary act of doom-scrolling into a communal cinema experience where an audience full of strangers collectively laughs, gasps and inevitably lets out a chorus of “awws.”
Curated by director and producer Will Braden, the 73-minute feature assembles a collection of recent viral clips, mini-documentaries and internet favourites into a series of themed chapters inspired by classic film genres.
It’s an intentionally rough-around-the-edges presentation, with the majority of footage shot vertically on mobile phones, but polished cinematography isn’t the point. These are authentic moments that just happen to feature some extraordinarily entertaining cats.
The opening Drama chapter delivers one of the film’s highlights. A stressed kitten, encouraged by an older cat, attempts to scale a seemingly impossible wall. It’s surprisingly suspenseful, with the audience quickly becoming invested in whether the little climber will reach the top.
The Action/Adventure chapter shifts gears with a mixture of athletic and adventurous felines. The recurring 2024 Catlympics sketches, featuring rivals Porky Belly and Jim competing in increasingly ridiculous events, become one of the film’s strongest running gags.
There’s competitive dinner eating, feline breakdancing, and testing exactly how many pairs of socks can be balanced on a sleeping cat. The segments embrace their own silliness without overstaying their welcome.
Elsewhere, ginger skateboarder Ed proves an undeniable scene-stealer, while a series of real-life adventure cats showcase lives that most humans would envy. Willow happily explores caves on a leash. Sigrid hisses at bewildered passers-by while accompanying owner Travis rides a bicycle. Findus, a Savannah cat, calmly rides a paddle board as though it’s the most natural thing in the world.
The film thoughtfully credits many of its featured creators with on-screen Instagram handles, making it easy for audiences to continue following their feline adventures after the credits roll.
Unexpectedly, the documentary-style stories become the emotional heart of the film. One particularly loveable tortoiseshell has voluntarily continued to put back on the recovery bucket she came home with after surgery more than 13 years ago, affectionately earning the nickname “little lamp.”
Another memorable segment introduces Saverio, the roaming neighbourhood cat whose daily wanderings have united an entire Italian village. Belonging simultaneously to everyone and no one, he has become a cherished local celebrity whose presence brightens each day.
Perhaps the greatest rule-breaker of them all is Louis Vuitton, a cat living on the United States-Canada border who regularly ignores international boundaries by hopping between the two countries, much to the delight of his local community.
Along the way, we also meet a wonderfully eccentric collection of cat owners and enthusiasts. Whether they were deliberately selected for their larger-than-life personalities or whether cats simply attract delightfully quirky humans is left for audiences to decide.
The film begins to lose some momentum during its extended Art chapter. While a handful of animated shorts land successfully, others feel disconnected from the rest of the compilation and interrupt the easy rhythm established earlier.
Even here, however, there are memorable moments: Luna the black cat, who is trained to play piano keys that dispense dry food. Oliver, the feline companion quietly assisting a children’s book illustrator. And musician Sheldon, whose owner samples his meows to create infectious electronic dance tracks.
Ironically, the closing Comedy section isn’t quite the laugh-out-loud finale its title promises. Aside from the delightfully dressed-up Kole, the costume cat, the final chapter feels comparatively subdued. The end of the film arrives rather abruptly after what feels like a more natural conclusion during an earlier montage of adorable clips set to music.
Still, CatVideoFest isn’t trying to be a traditional documentary or carefully crafted feature film. It’s an annual celebration of the endlessly unpredictable ways cats entertain us, while supporting local animal shelters and rescue organisations through every screening.
If you share your home with a cat, you’ll almost certainly leave the cinema with a renewed appreciation for your own furry companion’s peculiar habits. And if you don’t, you may just find yourself browsing adoption websites before the day is over.
Sometimes the internet’s greatest gift really is a cat doing something completely ridiculous. Watching hundreds of people laugh at it together simply makes it even better.
CatVideoFest runs 13 – 16 August in participating cinemas nationally. Every ticket sold raises money for cats in need.
Find participating cinema locations HERE.
Website: https://pivotpictures.com.au/movie/catvideofest/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/catvideofest/
Hero image: Louis Vuitton, the border cat
Want more?
Many of the cats featured in CatVideoFest have active social media accounts. The film displays the creators’ Instagram handles throughout, so keep an eye out if you discover a new favourite.
Watch the trailer here:
Film details:
Title: CatVideoFest
Director: Will Braden
Cast: Cats!
Country of Origin: USA
Duration: 73 mins
Rating: G
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