“The Kitty CrusAIDe” and the Rescue of Feral Cats
I recently had an interview with filmmaker Josh Carter about the his documentary, “The Kitty CrusAIDe.” Initially driven by a concern for the impact of outdoor cats on wildlife, Carter stumbled upon an impressive cat rescue organization, The Kitty CrusAIDe, which altered the course of his film entirely.
Carter’s journey began over a year ago during his birdwatching expeditions, where he observed the hunting behaviors of feral cats. His initial intention was to shed light on how cats affect bird populations, but a chance encounter with The Kitty CrusAIDe and one of its co-founders, Dani, reshaped the narrative. The documentary transformed into a captivating exploration of humane efforts to manage feral cat populations through trapping, neutering, and releasing—a process known as TNR.
“I was amazed by their story” said Carter. “I started following Dani, one of the Co-founders, as she trapped, neutered, and released cats. I ended up filming more than I ever expected and was so inspired, I totally changed the direction of my film and I am so happy where it ended up.”
The documentary captures the essence of The Kitty CrusAIDe’s mission and the inspiring stories of volunteers working tirelessly to make a difference.
“I really enjoyed getting to see every part of the cat rescue world. I love cats, so it was fun getting to see so many. I’m very proud of how this film turned out and I really enjoy the final product!”
For Carter, a wildlife enthusiast, the motivation behind his filmmaking is rooted in the passion for protecting and conserving innocent creatures. He hopes that “The Kitty CrusAIDe” will not only educate viewers about the issue but also inspire them to get involved in cat welfare initiatives. Carter’s dedication to wildlife conservation is evident in his commitment to creating films that ignite positive change.
As with any filmmaking journey, challenges and heartbreaks are inevitable. Carter revealed that the most difficult part of making the documentary was witnessing the euthanasia of a cat with no quality of life—an experience that highlighted the emotional toll of cat rescue.
“This had to happen to one particular cat I was following, and it was hard to say goodbye. Dani has to deal with this often, and it was hard to learn her struggles.”
Despite these challenges, Carter is proud of the final product and emphasizes the joy he found in exploring the cat rescue world.
Looking ahead, Carter plans to release “The Kitty CrusAIDe” on his YouTube channel for free, following its festival run. Audiences can stay updated on his future projects by visiting his website or subscribing to his YouTube channel. With graduation on the horizon, Carter anticipates new opportunities on the horizon for his burgeoning career in filmmaking.
About Warren Workman
Warren Workman is the founder of the Utah International Film Festival. Workman’s passion is to share the stories of the filmmakers behind the movies and to encourage the next generation of filmmakers. Workman provides these services through ReelVibe PR.
