QUARANTINE CAT FILM FESTIVAL TO HELP MOVIE THEATRES FELINE THE PINCH
Source: forbes.com (Extract)
Posted: May 9, 2020
For months, movie theaters have been locked down and struggling under the economic pressure caused by the coronavirus pandemic. However, an independent in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has come up with an innovative way to throw a lifeline to others in the sector, the Quarantine Cat Film Festival.
“I was home with my wife discussing how we’ll survive the COVID-19 shutdown, as we were watching our two cats, Oliver and Isabella, frolicking around,” explained Brian Mendelssohn, founder of Row House Cinema. “My wife suggested the idea of getting our fans to film their cats and send them in. The idea blossomed and quickly grew to include theaters across the country.”
While the Quarantine Cat Film Festival, on Friday, June 19, 2020, will be streamed in a ‘virtual cinema,’ around 50% of the money raised from the ticket sales will go directly to benefit local independent movie theaters. Over a hundred are expected to get involved across the US and Canada.
“Virtual cinema tickets are $12 and can be bought through an individual theater’s website or Row House Online,” confirmed Irwin Mendelssohn, programmer for Row House Cinema. “There’s one ticket price for every participating theater, but we also encourage everyone to support their local theater by buying a gift card to use later, or becoming a member. At this moment, we’ve got about 40 theaters confirmed, and we’ve had multiple inquiries every single day. We’re very much on target to hit at least 100 participating theaters by June 19. The enthusiasm has been amazing.”
Brian added, “All independent movie theaters are welcome and encouraged to join us. There’s a link on our website if an individual cinema wants to participate. As small businesses, the more we come together to help each other out, the stronger we will be to survive this crisis.”
If it’s a success, is this something they would consider doing again?
“Hopefully, this is the only time we’ll ever need to do a Quarantine Cat Film Festival,” Irwin said. “Our top priority right now is to ensure the sustainability of independent theaters so we can all successfully reopen. However, if this goes well and there’s a great cause, we would be open to it.”
The event will be available to stream on many Smart TVs, computers, and mobile and streaming devices. Anyone who wants to be part of the event is encouraged to submit their cat content.
“It is absolutely free to submit a video. The only thing we ask is that you take it in landscape mode, so it fits the screen better,” Brian encouraged. “By submitting your video, you’re helping this all come together, so you’re helping local theaters. We’ll also have cash prizes for the winners of four categories: Cutest, Funniest, Bravest, and Most Loving, plus a Best of Show award.
“The videos will be judged by cat experts – very opinionated cat experts.”
Could there be a spin-off Quarantine Dog Film Festival?
“We love dogs, but please don’t tell them: cats are more natural on-screen stars,” Irwin apologized. “So, we don’t see ourselves organizing a similar dog film fest.”
Brian added, “I love my Basset Hound very much, but cats rule the Internet, which gives them the power to help save our independent movie theaters.”