Director StatementWe all know the stereotype of the crazy cat lady. And many of us have that friend, the one with the Instagram feed dedicated exclusively to cats. Self-described “Crazy Cat People” are a force to be reckoned with -- a community that’s here to stay and has only grown stronger in the age of social media. I watched over the course of a few years as my husband transformed into a bona fide cat person after he rescued a stray. However, something else changed inside him -- something deeper. He seemed to grow into a softer, more patient and compassionate person. This inspired me to find more men who had undergone a similar transformation, and document their stories as a way to explore the modern male.
As I dug deeper on “Cat Instagram,” I discovered dozens of men who seemed to be living their best life with their feline companions. Their stories ran the gamut -- from firefighters in South Carolina who unapologetically dote on their “fire cat,” to an unhoused immigrant on the streets of New York who always puts the needs of his cat above his own. Many of the subjects are the very embodiment of the traditional definition of “manliness” -- the aforementioned firemen, a stuntman, a truck driver. All of them unapologetically dote on their beloved pets in a way that I found very touching.
I see CAT DADDIES as both a collective portrait as well as a time capsule, documenting a challenging year in which people desperately needed hope, relief, and healing. It may not convert everyone to love cats, but I hope seeing images of men caring for these little creatures wins over a few skeptics and becomes a catalyst for compassionate change in a time we need it the most.

AniFab judge's aggregate score is 8.4 out of 10 with one judge noting, "Cat Daddies have their voice now, and with Mye's cat-tastic profile, it will soon be a roar.  Who doesn't want to love these Cat Daddies?"

​​But when opposition comes from an unexpected source, Tim is forced to face the demons of his own past, while wrestling with the consequences of exposing his childhood hero.

#AniFab judge's aggregate score for The Conservation Game is 9.4 out of 10 with one judge noting, "Super important to dig deeper into issues and ask questions no one wants asked.  Powerful, beautifully crafted. 2 thumbs up - Team AniFab is going to try to build our opening night premiere in Austin around this movie, The Conservation Game.  You're going to hear a great deal about this movie in the coming months.

#AniFab judge's aggregate score for Seals & Sea Lions is 6.1 out of 10 with this judge writing, "Interesting and meaningful presentation by an NGO.  Lot's of "Experts".  I do think it's important to hear all sides if possible in this type of presentation.  Or, at least make a diligent attempt.  It is not always possible - we understand."

AniFab judge's aggregate score for BUZZKILL is 6.4 out of 10 with one judge noting, "An important perspective on the buying of perception to deceive. More stories about Bee's need to be made. Nice job, Ron."

AniFab judge's aggregated score is 7.2 out of 10 with one judge sharing the following, "Thank you for experimenting Ian. Silver linings are everywhere, so hard to see sometimes.  Thank you for taking time to spend time with a snail and friends. Keep experimenting.