Feeding 500

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For how many days can a person feed stray cats? For Sediq, it has been 15+ years. The passion and determination of Sediq’s sacrifice touches the lives of 500 every single day. This film is a remarkable insight into his daily life as he faces aggression, sympathy, and often, indifference.

“How long would you feed a bunch of stray cats? For Sediq, it has been 15 years. 'Feeding Five Hundred' is an inspiring documentary that follows Sediq's passion and determination to save the lives of the UAE's stray cats – the sacrifices he regularly makes, and the sympathy, aggression and indifference that he faces every day. Directed by Rafed Al Harthi, 'Feeding Five Hundred' is the first Emirati film to be selected at the UK's prestigious Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival (2013).”

Rafed Al Harthi

رافد الحارثي

UAE national Rafed Al Harthi, who has a degree in electrical engineering, began his media career as an on-screen volunteer for various productions, including the UAE's 37th National Day commercial. His first appearance as a TV presenter was with Abu Dhabi Al Emirate, for the show 'Mehnati', followed by a stint at Abu Dhabi TV, hosting 'Jammel Darak'. Today, Rafed is still with Abu Dhabi TV, presenting his own show, 'Min Al Khater'.

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who worked on this project

Rafed is one of our creative lab community members and an inspiring applicant. This project has been an amazing chapter in our journey. Huge thanks to all our creative lab members who have contributed to this amazing project.

story

In 2012, Rafed took part in the Young Media Leaders programme, an initiative by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation – which ignited his passion for filmmaking. After reading about Sediq and his drive to save all of the UAE's stray cats, he knew he'd found a great story. Following a five-month search to find Sediq on the streets, Rafed, with the support and funding of twofour54° creative lab, was able to make his first film, 'Feeding 500'.

press coverage

05 September 2013  
'Feeding Five Hundred' selected as the first Emirati film at UK's prestigious Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival  
Source: twofour54 media centre

05 December 2013   
twofour54 attends Dubai International Film Festival with representation from creative lab, intaj and Abu Dhabi Film Commission   
Source: twofour54 media centre

festivals, awards & nominations

  • Court Metrage (Cannes Film Corner) - May 15 -28 , 2013
  • Ismailia International Film Festival for Documentaries and Short - Ismaïlia, Egypt - June 11, 2013
  • Cinemadamare - Italy - June 30, 2013
  • Two riversides - Kazimierz Dolny, Poland - July 28,2013
  • Encounters International Short Film Festival (winners will be nominated for the Oscar qualifying shortlist) - Bristol, UK, - August 17, 2013
  • flEXiff: Cinewest, Sydney, Australia - August 20, 2013
  • Nour festival of arts - London, UK - October 1, 2013
  • Beirut International Film Festival - Beirut, Lebanon - October 3, 2013
  • Festival International du Court Métrage: A-list festival - Lille, France - October 18, 2013

more about Feeding 500