Indies - Documentary
The documentary will have its premiere in 2025
"Indies" follows the journey of Red, a rescue cat from Bucharest, as he heads to the airport for an overseas adoption. Along the way, the story splits into side narratives highlighting the relentless efforts of independent rescuers who capture, spay, and care for the city’s stray cats. These side stories, including the urgent race to save a critically ill cat named Indie, eventually link back to the main plot, showing how interconnected the lives of these cats and rescuers are.
As Red departs for his new life in Switzerland, the documentary contrasts the uncertain futures of cats with no adoption offers, like Axi and Indie, emphasizing the emotional work and the burn-out state of the rescuers. "Indies" captures both the hope and heartache in the world of animal rescue, revealing the impediments and the visceral bonds between humans and the vulnerable animals they fight to save.
The uncertainty of being a stray in Bucharest
Radu Nastasia - director and animal rights activist:
The documentary captures the ups and downs of animal rescue, always reminding of the uncertain futures of other cats like Axi, a cat with neurological issues and no adoption offers. Also, the title "Indies" reflects the spirit of both the independent cats, who struggle for survival, and the indie rescuers, who operate without funding and facing issues after issues. Ultimately, I envisaged to show the unlimited empathy that breaks the inter-species border, but also highlights sleepless nights, burn out and guilt - attributes that make animal rescuing one of the heaviest occupation.
Cats may be cute, but not enough for some.
