The Cat’s Out of the Bag and on the Big Screen

In a mission to raise money for cats in need around the world, CatVideoFest brings furry felines to the big screen by providing a full movie experience to watch a compilation reel of the latest cat videos. The 75-minute reel attracts people of all ages, not only for a good cause, but also for a good laugh. Will Braden became the director of CatVideoFest in 2016 and has spent countless hours reviewing submissions and watching cat content ever since. He says, “What I tell people is, if you hear the phrase ‘CatVideoFest,’ and you can imagine something, it is that — just times a thousand.” CatVideoFest has been in more than 350 theaters throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, raising over $150,000 for local shelters and organizations in need of support. Braden says that besides raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for animal shelters, the most gratifying part of his job is that people come back to see the show year after year. He says, “It’s pretty rare to have something that is G-rated, family-friendly that appeals to 6-year-olds and 60-year-olds, that everyone can kind of enjoy together.” The event is typically held in independent theaters, in collaboration with local shelters or animal welfare organizations, where drinks and movie theater snacks are served. CatVideoFest partnered with Greenhill Humane Society to raise money for local cats, and all showings will be at Art House. Braden says, “Don’t bring your cats. Your cats want to be at home with a little bit of alone time while you go and support cat shelters.” Get tickets online before the day you plan to go, because it frequently sells out.

CatVideoFest showings are 4 pm Saturday, August 23, 1 pm Sunday, August 24, and 6:30 pm Monday, August 25, at Art House, 492 East 13th Avenue. Tickets are $11 for adults, $10 for students and military, and $8 for seniors 62 and older, and kids between 6 and 12. For more information, visit CatVideoFest.com or visit CatVideoFest on Facebook.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!