Chicago’s Whiskered Residents Under the Lens

Read Time:3 Minute, 47 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Cat City
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 18m
Director(s): Ben Kolak
Where To Watch: opens in Los Angeles on May 9, 2024, at Laemmle Theatres; for more information, visit www.cat-city.org

RAVING REVIEW: In the bustling cityscape of Chicago, CAT CITY brings to light the complex and controversial approaches to feral cat control through a mix of storytelling, humor, and heartfelt scenes. This documentary, directed by Ben Kolak, explores humane wildlife management with gritty urban realities, examining the city's strategies for coexisting with an estimated 200,000 feral cats.

CAT CITY starts with a flashback to a thwarted early 2000s proposal in Wisconsin to hunt feral cats—a stark contrast to Chicago’s progressive and questionable "Trap, Neuter, and Release" (TNR) ordinance introduced in 2007. Through interviews and cinematographic cityscape shots, the film delves into the multifaceted debate over Chicago's substantial feral cat population, painting them as both urban villains and unlikely heroes in rodent control.

The narrative heart of CAT CITY lies in the triumphs and hurdles of Autumn and Ruben; two committed TNR advocates. Their engaging endeavors are portrayed with a charming mix of earnest dedication and challenges, bringing a human touch to the controversial policy. Their efforts are compared and paralleled with insights from Julia Kilgour, a notable animal scientist, and Annette Prince, a passionate bird conservationist, who provide differing perspectives on the ecological impact of maintaining a non-native species in the city.

As the film progresses, it explores the delicate balance of managing these non-native animals while highlighting the societal implications. CAT CITY showcases the deep connections between the cats and their caretakers—often people living on the fringes of society who find a sense of purpose in their caregiving roles. Despite facing obstacles like disease and extreme weather, the film celebrates the survival and legend-making of the city's most resilient cats.

CAT CITY does not ignore the contentious debates surrounding the TNR strategy. It features powerful opposition from bird advocates, who argue that protecting cats exacerbates the threats to native bird species. This conflict is emphasized through stark footage of predatory interactions. The narrative tension escalates with the introduction of the Washington DC Cat Count, a scientific initiative to provide data to refine feral cat management practices, underscoring the significant disconnect between scientific recommendations and public sentiment.

The documentary also spotlights innovative community initiatives, such as the deployment of monitoring cameras in Washington, D.C., marking a shift toward data-driven approaches to urban wildlife management. This segment invites viewers to reflect on the ethical and practical challenges of fostering coexistence between humans and animals in metropolitan environments. All the while, it never gives us an answer or clear directive on the problems. I appreciate the open-ended guidance, but it makes the story feel like there’s no answer or closure to these issues.

CAT CITY culminates as a reflective and engaging documentary transcending just animal policy discourse. It prompts viewers to critically evaluate our interactions with urban wildlife and the dilemmas of managing such ecosystems. Balancing emotional engagement with intellectual stimulation, CAT CITY appeals to a broad audience, urging a reevaluation of our urban lifestyles and their impacts on local wildlife. This film explores compassion, conservation, and the complexities of animal management, making it a must-watch for those intrigued by city life and animal welfare dynamics.

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[photo courtesy of FIRST RUN FEATURES, TRUTH & DOCUMENTARY]

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