If watching cat videos is part of your daily routine, you’ll have a chance to do that somewhere more social when Cat Video Fest returns to Victoria this September, inviting audiences to trade their phones and computer screens for a seat at The Vic Theatre. The event is essentially a feature length celebration of cats doing what they do best: causing trouble, making people laugh and occasionally leaving everyone wondering what on earth just happened. The roughly 75-minute program brings together a collection of cat videos selected for their humour and sheer feline absurdity. And there appears to be an appetite for it. Three August screenings sold out, prompting the return of the event for another limited run this month. Robin Wark, communications and marketing coordinator with the Victoria Film Festival, said part of the appeal is getting people together to enjoy something they could easily watch on their own. “It’s kind of the group experience of going out, being with other people and having that group reaction to it,” Wark said. For anyone who has ever opened one cat video and somehow ended up scrolling for hours, the event offers a chance to enjoy that familiar brand of chaos with a theatre full of fellow cat fans. Wark said audiences can expect a mix of comedy and some heartwarming moments. “A lot of laughs, a lot of oohs and aahs,” Wark said. “It really does span the funny and also kind of the sweet sort of parts of owning a cat.” Cats have been internet stars for years, but their popularity shows little sign of fading. Wark said the annual event continues to attract returning audiences, with a new collection of videos put together each year. The September run features three screenings. The first is Saturday, Sept. 19 at 3 p.m. and is open to all ages. On Sunday, Sept. 20, audiences can choose between a 3 p.m. all ages screening and a 5:30 p.m. screening for those 19 and older. Tickets are $15, and a portion of sales will support Cat’s Cradle Animal Rescue. Wark said the rescue’s work in the community makes it a natural fit for the event, particularly its efforts to help cats find new homes. The screenings will take place at The Vic Theatre at 808 Douglas St. Tickets are available through the Victoria Film Festival.
