Pet Lovers Grab the Popcorn for NY Film Fests

This week the New York Cat Film Festival premieres in the city, followed by the NY Dog Film Fest a few days later. The first is an “exploration through film of the fascinating felines who share our lives,” according to the festival website; the latter a “philanthropic celebration of the love between dogs and their people.”

Both film fests are the brainchildren of Tracie Hotchner, a nationally acclaimed “pet wellness advocate” (cool title) and the author of The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know and The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know (also cool titles).

Theatergoers will see short documentaries, animated vignettes, fables, allegory, and pet-human interest stories. The feline film selections are labeled “family-friendly and can be enjoyed by humans of all ages,” while the canine collection is for older children. 

The dog films skew toward more mature audiences because of a new category introduced to this year’s lineup: Service Dog Salute, which features short films telling the real-life stories of PTSD service dogs and the veterans they assist.

The NY Dog Film Festival and its principal sponsor Purina Dog Chow want to raise awareness and support for PTSD service dogs. The winner of the new category (now down to three finalists) will receive a $5000 prize while runners-up get $1000.

The cat and dog films are all about raising awareness – and cash. Ten percent of every ticket sale will go directly to local animal shelters and rescues. And for every viewing of the Service Dog Salute winner (to be announced October 24), Purina will donate five bucks to the Association of Service Dog Providers.

For New York dates and venues, see here. Both film fests will be released nationwide – and in Canada – in 2025. Have a taste here and here.

Photo credit: NY Dog Film Festival