'Kedi': a cinematic ode to Istanbul's stray cats

Not every street cat in Istanbul has the nonchalance to resist a tempting treat laid out on a table, but Aslan Parcasi, "the hunter," is one of the few. He keeps his territory free from rats and a watchful eye on each intruder. Aslan also scouts out possible sources for his daily meal. He is lucky to live in Istanbul: People here feed their city's cats voluntarily - and not only with garbage.

Ceyda Torun and cameraman Charlie Wuppermann spent three months crisscrossing the various districts of Istanbul in order to locate possible feline protagonists for their film. More than once, a random second glance led them to discover a future four-legged star - like this cat snoozing on a restaurant marquee. The duo then needed time and patience to build up trust with its involuntary actors.

Millions of stray cats make their homes in the streets and plazas of the Istanbul metropolis, and many of them don't roam beyond their precisely defined territory. But despite cherishing their independence, the cats often nuture relationships with people, becoming their loyal companions. They will even let humans stroke and cuddle them - all for a yummy snack, of course.

A softly purring cat sleeping in the sun may turn suddenly into a street fighter when forced to defend its territory. Food tends to be the main bone of contention. A cat will ferociously defend a place where it knows it can count on a daily meal from human hands. Cat mothers, in particular, can be very aggressive when food for their babies is at stake.

Not all kittens in Istanbul are so lucky as to grow up with the security of a roof over their heads. In fact, many of them don't even survive the struggle for existence that plays out among wild street cats. The documentary doesn't shield viewers from the sadder side of feline lives in Istanbul: A newborn tomcat falls victim to the dominant cat in the neighborhood.

Director Ceyda Torun and cameraman Charlie Wuppermann captured their most beautiful shots in the early morning or early evening hours. These include glowing sunsets that tint the Bosporus with gold. In this way, "Kedi" also documents the city of Istanbul, showing it a totally different light from the perspective of a cat.

Istanbul could just as well be called "Catstanbul." In their quiet and soft way, countless street cats shape the image of the city that is home to some 20 million people. Ceyda Torun's documentary illustrates what it means to be a four-pawed inhabitant of this bustling metropolis. This visually arresting, poetic and yet realistic work hits movie theaters worldwide in August.