Catdance Film Festival roars back, now in 3D

Via PR Newswire - The makers of Fresh Step litter are bringing back the successful Catdance Film Festival – a celebration of independent cat cinema, which will be held in Park City, Utah in January 2014.

In just a few short years, the fair feline has transcended from being amusing in internet cat videos to serving as a muse in independent films. Fresh Step scratched the surface of this feline fervor by bringing cats to the silver screen at the inaugural 2013 Catdance Film Festival and now it is back – bigger and better than ever.

The 2014 Catdance Film Festival boasts a $50,000 grand prize and an exclusive 3D screening at the festival's feline-themed fete in the heart of independent filmmaking. Up to five finalists will win a trip for two to the Catdance Film Festival to see their film in 3D. Semi-finalists may be selected to be featured on Fresh Step's website and social media pages as Catdance Film Festival official selections.

"We understand just how smart and quirky cats are, which is what makes them a great muse and why we've decided to pounce on the opportunity to celebrate them in film," said Smita Peri, brand manager for Fresh Step.

This year's official selections and finalists will be hand-picked by the governing Feline Arts Council, which is on a mission to promote positive representations of cats and cat ownership in mainstream culture and is comprised of some of the utmost authorities on creative cat creations.

The Council boasts the brain trust of Erica Domesek, founder of the DIY lifestyle brand P.S.- I made this; Eileen Hanavan, cat expert for the ASPCA; Katherine Dore, executive producer of Sundance Channel's branded content; famed and adored Luna the Fashion Kitty; and Smita Peri of Fresh Step. Together, they are on the prowl to find the best in original feline films and cat-inspired products.

After the screening, Fresh Step will again turn the voting process over to the fans. The feline flick with the most votes and that best showcases how quirky, funny, picky and most importantly how smart cats are, will be named the Viewer's Choice winner. The winning 2014 filmmaker will receive a $50,000 prize and the coveted golden litter scoop. Visit www.freshstep.com/catdance for more information.

In addition, the Council will bestow its seal on America's top purr-worthy products and award $5,000 grants to up to five artisans that help launch or advance their craft. Submit cat-inspired passion projects to the Feline Arts Council at http://www.freshstep.com/promotions/feline-arts-council-2013/ by October 8.

Fresh Step will release limited-edition items from the Feline Arts Council honorees to Paw Points members, as well as make them available for purchase with 100 percent of the purchase price benefiting the ASPCA.