JEDDAH: Hayy Jameel hosted an event dedicated to the International Cat Day, where people enjoyed the screening of films and live entertainment along with supporting rescued animals.
The event made Hayy Cinema a pet-friendly space, where the visitors could watch selected movies together with their pets. The lineup included a winner of the Academy Awards, 2024, “Flow”, as well as the documentary movie “Kedi”, which was filmed back in 2016.
The event was a part of the activities organised by Hayy Cinema and aimed to engage the audience in the cultural exchange and participation with the help of the film. Zohra Ait El-Jamar, head of cinema at Art Jameel, pointed out that this lineup was chosen to show how cats can be presented in the movie from different angles and what relationship they have with humans.
A major part of the weekend was “Tunes for Tuna”, an arts and music event organised by Moondust and Atlas. The programme featured performances, artwork, food, merchandise and opportunities to adopt cats, with proceeds directed to the Get Along With Me Animal Welfare Association.
Organisers Doha Nahas and Mosaid Khalid said the concept had been in development since 2019, with the aim of linking music to a meaningful social cause. They said artists, volunteers and organisers contributed their time to support the initiative, while proceeds will help fund animal treatment, surgery, medication, daily care and rescue operations.
The organisers also pointed to growing public interest in animal adoption across Saudi Arabia, crediting social media and rescue campaigns with helping more people connect with animals needing homes. They said encouraging adoption over purchasing pets remains an important challenge.
Beyond cinema and music, visitors participated in creative activities, including a beaded-fish workshop led by artist Sumayah Sendi of Kuiper Beads.
For attendees, the event offered both entertainment and an opportunity to promote adoption. Visitor Sarah Ibrahim said the pet-friendly format allowed people and their animals to share the experience while helping raise awareness about animal welfare and bringing the community together.
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