Photo Gallery | Big turnout expected for Memphis' first Internet cat video film festival
It's a variety of viral videos that has captured nearly 200 million views worldwide. It involves a Scottish Fold Cat, and too many small boxes.
If you're an Internet Cat video fan, then you're familiar with Maru.
And he is among many cats to be featured in the Brooks Museum's "Must Love Cats" Internet Cat Video Film Festival on February 14.
The museum's Public Programs and Public Relations Manager Andria Lisle is interested to see people come together for a trend that is usually experienced alone.
"Some people from the media had the whole concept that these videos shared at home and put on YouTube should be featured in a museum," said Lisle.
"And these people were interested to see if watching these cats, that are often watched at home or in a cubicle along with eating a sandwich, (could be watched) together as a group."
Last summer, the Walker Arts Center in Minneapolis had an Internet Cat Film Festival, and it landed a huge, positive response.
The event had at least 10,000 spectators. For the Memphis event, the 7 p.m. screening is already sold out. Lisle expects the 9 p.m. to sell out by the end of the day Wednesday.
Lisle said bringing the Internet cat video film festival to Memphis was her idea, but it was inspired by her co-workers.
She admits when staff members in her office need a short break, they'll rally together and laugh at an intriguing cat video.
"There's something unique about it," said Lisle.
Similar to the Walker Arts Center event, there will be an interactive portion to the showcase.
One of many activities includes Warhol inspired cat drawings that spectators can make.
"I think sometimes people think of the Brooks as a staid institution, this is full of fun things that interact with art," said Lisle. "And personally, for me, it's a fun way to spend Valentines Day."
Here are some of the popular cat videos you will see at the event:
"Must Love Cats" is curated by the Walker Art Center. Brooks Museum shared that you don’t have to be a so-called cat lady to join us for the Internet Cat Video Festival, just bring a sense of humor and you'll have a great time.
Event details:
- From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., will be happening in the Rotunda and other areas of the museum: DJ Superman from Hot 107.1 will be spinning cat-themed music all evening.
- Opera Memphis will perform Rossini's Duetto Buffo di Due Gatti (humorous duet for two cats), a duet that consists entirely of the word "meow," as well as some other feline-inspired compositions.
- Brooks Museum will have a cash bar with a special Cathead Vodka concoction.
- Performance artist Patty Carreras will be dressed as a cat and frolicking through the museum, chasing a laser pointer.
- Spectators can make the following: an Andy Warhol inspired cat portrait, a felt cat toy, a cat necklace, a letterpress love letter, and more.
- Brushmark will also be open with Valentine's specials on the menu.
- Click here for ticket information
