Cats have their own unique and indescribable bond with people and the NY Cat Film Festival celebrates that attachment, while giving back to animal welfare groups that protect cats and elevate their status. Settle in for an exploration through film of the fascinating felines who share our lives, creating a shared audience experience that inspires, educates and entertains. This medley of short films — documentary and narrative — honors the mysterious felines, who have fascinated mankind for centuries and continue to enchant us. Revel in your “crazy cat person” status when this touring fest crawls into the Patio Theater in Chicago on April 28 with shows at noon and 1:30.  

The Dog Film Festival is a celebration of the remarkable bond between dogs and their people. Onscreen at Chicago’s Patio Theater, there’ll be two distinct short film programs featuring a medley of canine-centric films. The first program, “Outdoor Adventures with Dogs,” features a selection of of pieces with dogs and their owners sharing time in nature. You’ll see a man skateboarding with his Samoyed, another trekking the Alps with his canine, explorers making their way through the Canadian Arctic with their four Inuit sled dogs and more. During the second program, “Who Rescued Whom,” see British dog owners discuss their love for their pooches, an Australian couple and their pack of differently abled dogs, a doc about senior dogs, shelter dogs that work as service animals to women in prison and more. All attendees will get a doggy gift bag!  Shows on April 29 at noon and 1:45.