Warning: overload of cute approaching! Scheduled for December 27 in France, the documentary Kedi – Cats and Men premiered at the Les Arcs European Film Festival. Directed by Ceyda Torun, this pleasant dive into the heart of Istanbul makes us discover the daily life of the inhabitants of the city, mixed with that of cats. Focus!
Images as beautiful as they are touching
Cats have long been seen as the embodiment of the adorable and funny. Just look at the countless compilations of videos dedicated to them on the internet and on television. Only, Ceyda Torun does not just film cats and let them be cute. Each image is both very aesthetic, while being representative of the daily life of the inhabitants of Istanbul vis-à-vis cats. We feel very close to the people we meet. The immersion is total, which is difficult in films or reports. The director therefore operates a tour de force by plunging us closer to men and animals.
In addition to the immersion, the images offer us a sublime spectacle, which would almost make you want to move to Istanbul. The warm decorations mixed with the wanderings of our little critters offer a moment of good humor and tenderness as we need more often. The film focuses on 7 cats with very distinct characters. And we must admit that these little animals have everything to make us smile. Moreover, in general, many emotions pass vis-à-vis all the cats we discover. If they are in danger or hurt in any way, empathy comes pretty quickly. However, the documentary is by no means a tearkiller. Ceyda Torun is content to film the events as they are, leaving the viewer to be touched or not by what he sees.
The cats of Istanbul: mystical and omnipresent figures
Kedi – Cats and men dwells on the osmosis that reigns in Istanbul between its cats and its inhabitants. Indeed, cats are present by tens of thousands and are entirely part of the decor of the city. They therefore make their place where they want and it is up to the inhabitants to get used to their presence.We follow their wanderings, as well as the relationship they have forged with various humans over time.Whether it is the 7 cats presented or the others living in Istanbul, these little felidae are extremely mystified and each inhabitant seems to have a very particular vision of human / animal relationships. The cat is not presented only as a simple stray animal. It is one of the elements that gives life to the city. Thus, we discover the cat under another aspect: philosophical.
People who frequent cats on a daily basis talk about how important these little felidae are in their lives, but also for the city. For some, dating cats is a way to get closer to God, for others, it is their lucky charm… Each presents his interpretation according to his experience and his sensitivity. And we must admit that the visions we discover are a thousand places away from the reasons that push us to own a cat in the West. Where Western families own cats for pleasure and love for animals, the people of Istanbul see them as beings apart. This is where Istanbul cats are mystified. They are not the possession of the people or the city. It is the city that belongs to them and that must adapt to their needs… As it says in the trailer below:
In Istanbul, the cat is much more than a cat. It embodies the incredible culture and uniqueness of the city.
As touching as it is well filmed, Kedi – Cats is men is a pleasant excursion to live alone or with your family. No doubt that this report will please young and old, especially if you are lovers of these small cats so singular … Released on December 27th!
Kedi Trailer – Cats and Men
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDA4yf1K3Yw
