The 26th Phoenix Film Festival is underway and “Caturday,” on April 11 was an absolute treat for cat lovers.

The day featured a number of “purrfect” shorts, films, and two feature-length documentaries from director Mye Hoang.

Members of the audience – many wearing plastic cat ears and feline-themed T-shirts – cheered as the films played and the animals graced the screen.

Hoang’s documentaries “25 Cats From Qatar” and “Cat Daddies” were the highlight of the event, combining the simple joy of watching cats do just about anything with heartfelt messages, poignant themes and exceptional cinematography.

“25 Cats From Qatar” follows Katy McHugh, a Milwaukee cat cafe owner who travels to Doha, Qatar, to meet with a network of underground animal rescuers and attempt to bring 25 cats back to the United States, where they will have a better chance at being adopted.

What makes this documentary so compelling isn’t necessarily the cats – it’s the people. McHugh’s drive to bring as many cats back to the United States is remarkable enough, but the compassion shown by the locals in Doha who foster the cats elevates the story to another level and offers a glimpse of humanity at its best.

The film also explores religious and political themes. Unlike many other companion animals, cats are highly respected in Islam, the official religion of Qatar. However, 89% of the nation's population is made up of foreign workers, most of whom do not take their pets with them when they return home – a reality that has contributed to a surge in the stray cat population.

Hoang’s other documentary “Cat Daddies” takes a lighter, more playful approach. The documentary tells the story of nine men, each with a distinct bond with their cats, and challenges the stereotype that men who love cats are somehow less masculine, reframing that narrative with humor, honesty and heart.

Both documentaries are visually impressive and leave viewers feeling inspired to go out into the world and make a difference.

Hoang has been interested in cat rescue for years, but she said she wasn’t sure how to get involved at first.

“I didn’t think I could do anything to help,” Hoang said. “I’m not a rescue person, I’m not an advocate, I’m not going to pass legislation – it’s not me.”

Now, through her filmmaking, Hoang has had the opportunity to touch countless lives – human and feline – and the impact of that cannot be overstated.

“I feel like I have found a way to kind of help with my filmmaking,” Hoang said. “It’s something small that I can do.”

The Phoenix Film Festival ends April 19, and while “Caturday” may be over, there are still plenty of films to pounce on. Passes can be purchased online.