A cat meowing at your feet, looking up at you, is life smiling at you…|Jan. 08, 2017|Turkey | United States|79 Min.|n/A
Genre: Documentary;Drama;Family;Kids;Music
Description: Kedi, meaning “Cat” in Turkish, is a 2016 documentary film directed by Ceyda Torun. The film explores the lives of numerous stray cats inhabiting Istanbul. It premiered at the !f Istanbul Independent Film Festival on February 21, 2016, and was later released in North American theaters on February 10, 2017. It became available for streaming on YouTube Red starting May 10, 2017, and was released on DVD in the U.S. on November 14, 2017.
The film received widespread critical praise and earned over $5 million at the box office. Time magazine even included it in its list of the top ten films of 2017. According to Susan King of the Los Angeles Times, *Kedi* had a strong opening, grossing $40,000 in its first weekend in New York City and $60,000 in its first week. It continued to perform well, earning an additional $80,000 in Los Angeles during its opening week across seven locations.
On Rotten Tomatoes, *Kedi* boasts a 98% approval rating based on 128 reviews, with an average score of 7.8/10. The site’s critical consensus describes it as “a cat fancier’s dream,” offering a thoughtful and beautifully filmed portrayal of Istanbul’s street cats that appeals to all audiences.
In Variety, Joe Leydon praised the film’s portrayal of Istanbul’s unique relationship with its feline population. He noted that filmmaker Ceyda Torun and cinematographer Charlie Wuppermann captured the essence of a centuries-old tradition where cats and humans coexist peacefully, with cats often taking the lead.
John Powers of NPR highlighted the film’s focus on its feline stars, showcasing their daily routines across Istanbul’s alleys, neighborhoods, and piers. He emphasized the poetic and rich narrative woven through the cats’ interactions with their environment.
*Kedi* remains a beloved documentary, celebrated for its heartwarming and insightful look at the lives of Istanbul’s stray cats.
Cast director: Ceyda Torun
Cast actor: Bengü, Deniz, Duman, Gamsız, Aslan Parçası, Psikopat, Bülent Üstün
Original name: Kedi