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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Pure escapism: ‘CatVideoFest 2020’ meows big

Dan Webster

Pet owners can be annoying. I know this because of what happened during a Zoom meeting I was having last night with some friends.

Right in the middle of a conversation, my cat walked in and I picked her up — she's beautiful, by the way — and I held her up for everyone to see. "Look at this beauty," I said. "Isn't she beautiful."

My cat just glared at the screen, her glorious green eyes throwing daggers.

But I digress.

Because what I really want to do is mention one of the films that is still streaming through the Magic Lantern. The film is "CatVideoFest 2020," which is one of the 32 films that you can access online by clicking on the theater's website. But the film, which is full of cute shots of kitties — and costs as little as .99 cents to rent — is more than mere entertainment, as the film's production notes explain:

" 'CatVideoFest' is committed to raising awareness and money for cats in need around the world. A percentage of the proceeds from each event go to local animal shelters and/or animal welfare organizations. In 2019, over $50,000 was raised for local shelters in addition to adoptions, fostering and awareness raised at shows."

So check it out. None of the cats are nearly as beautiful as mine, who naturally is named Bella, but some come close. And you're doing something charitable while engaging in your escapist venture.

Just as I do every time my precious walks into the room.