Internet Cat Video Fever Takes Over Toronto

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Apr 15, 2014) - The Just for Cats Festival is a unique event which brings internet cat video enthusiasts and ailurophiles together on one exclusive night in Toronto at TIFF Bell Lightbox on April 17th. The red carpet will be rolled out and filled with cats. Passionate animal welfare advocate Mrs. Laureen Harper will introduce the first screening of the 70 minute collection of internet cat clips curated by the Walker Art Center.

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) is proud to partner with TIFF, TEMPTATIONS®, and XTM to bring the first Just for Cats Festival to Toronto, the initial stop on a multi-city tour of Canada.

"Cats are a more popular companion animal than dogs," says Barbara Cartwright, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. "We love them on the internet but in real life cats need our help. The Just for Cats Festival is a fun way to educate Canadians about animal adoption, spay/neuter and also raise vitally important funds to increase cat welfare across the country.

From short films to six second Vine videos the Internet Cat Video reel is a fast-paced compilation of the best cat videos on the web. It's an all ages joyous experience unlike anything else in Canada. The Internet Cat Video reel has been playing to sold out audiences across the United States, Europe and even the Middle East.

"At TIFF we are constantly seeking out programming that will bring audiences together through the shared experience of watching the moving image. The Just for Cats Festival offers cat and film lovers a unique and fun opportunity to enjoy the internet's most popular phenomena projected larger than life on the big screen," says Magali Simard, Manager, Film Programmes at TIFF Bell Lightbox. "Being a cat mom and an avid fan of cat videos myself, I'm ecstatic that we're launching the Canadian tour at TIFF Bell Lightbox."

"The Just For Cats Festival is an entertaining, enjoyable way to spend an evening both celebrating cats and helping to make their lives better," says Barbara Steinhoff, Executive Director of the Toronto Humane Society.

Since its stunning debut in 2012, the Internet Cat Video reel has inspired thousands of news headlines, headlined an international tour and brought together feline film fans throughout the world.

The Just For Cats Festival has scheduled dates in Fredericton, Guelph, Vancouver, Red Deer, Saskatoon, Regina and others. To see when it will be in a city close to you visit www.justforcats.ca. For details on the TIFF Bell Lightbox screenings, visit www.tiff.net/catfestival.

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) holds the exclusive rights to distribute the Internet Cat Video Festival reel in Canada. The CFHS is the national organization representing humane societies and SPCAs in Canada. Founded in 1957, the CFHS works toward positive, progressive change to end animal cruelty, improve animal protection and promote the humane treatment of all animals.

About the co-presenters

TIFF is a charitable cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world through film. An international leader in film culture, TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival in September; TIFF Bell Lightbox, which features five cinemas, major exhibitions, and learning and entertainment facilities; and innovative national distribution program Film Circuit. The organization generates an annual economic impact of $189 million CAD. TIFF Bell Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including Founding Sponsor Bell, the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation and RBC. For more information, visit tiff.net.

About the Sponsors

TEMPTATIONS® treats are 100 per cent complete and balanced and contain less than two calories per treat on average. TEMPTATIONS® are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Cat food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

For more information specific to the TEMPTATIONS® brand visit www.temptations.ca.

XTM is a research, user experience and interface design firm. For more information visit http://www.xtminc.com.