Feline Filmmakers Take Center Stage At World's First Internet Cat Video Film Festival

(Image: Moca + Miles)

I've never really given it a lot of thought, but watching cat videos on the internet is usually a solitary experience. When I find a video I love and post it, it makes me feel good to see people's excited responses, but what if instead of experiencing those reactions through a social networking site, cat lovers could actually share the joy in person?

That's the idea that inspired Katie Czarniecki Hill, the (cat) lady behind the Internet Cat Video Film Festival, which is coming to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis on Aug. 30.

Hill writes on the Walker Center blog: "As Walker Open Field’s Cat-lady-in-Residence (just kidding, that’s not a real position…yet), I could not be more excited to literally bring this solo cat video viewing behavior out in the open. Walker Open Field welcomes cat lovers (and challenges haters – c’mon, you know who you are) to openly release your cat-video-induced giggles and emotions that are otherwise muffled by computer screens and constrained by cubicles. Rejoice and be free like my favorite triumphant slow-motion kitten playing in the video below. Let’s transform this singular small screen viewing experience into a shared celebration with the larger-than-life projection of these silly clips out on the Open Field."

The outdoor festival, which will last approximately "45 minutes to an hour long" is set to feature classic cat clips like "Keyboard Cat" and "Surprised Kitty," along with new favorites. Nominations are currently open to the public, so if you're looking to give your cat's latest cinematic masterpiece its 15-minutes seconds of fame, now may be your shot!

My official selections include the Henri, Le Chat Noir series (especially "Henri 2"), "Love Hate" by Spread Motion Design (a quirky tale of a cat and its imaginary friend), "Happy Inside" (aka IKEA Cats), and the inimitable "Walking for Kisses," starring Prince Gomolvilas and his cat, Pork Chop.

What other kitty vids do you think should make the cut?

Via Walker Blogs / Los Angeles Times (Thanks for the tip, Megan!)