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Photos: Minn. cat video fest a purr-fect viewing

  • Leroy Bergstrom of Maple Plain, Minn. arrives with his cat Maestro before the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    Leroy Bergstrom of Maple Plain, Minn. arrives with his cat Maestro before the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
  • The show begins at the The Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    The show begins at the The Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

    The show begins at the The Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
  • Jenson, a Devon Rex, has a look around before the beginning of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis, Minn., Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    Jenson, a Devon Rex, has a look around before the beginning of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis, Minn., Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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  • A larger than expected crowd watches the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    A larger than expected crowd watches the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
  • Melisande Charles of St. Paul, Minn., center, watches the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    Melisande Charles of St. Paul, Minn., center, watches the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
  • Will Branden of Seattle holds the Peoples Choice Award he won for "Henri Part 2" at the Walker Art Center after the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    Will Branden of Seattle holds the Peoples Choice Award he won for "Henri Part 2" at the Walker Art Center after the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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  • John Nygren, center, of Chanhassen, Minn., watches the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    John Nygren, center, of Chanhassen, Minn., watches the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

    John Nygren, center, of Chanhassen, Minn., watches the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
  • An estimated crowd of 6000 gathered at sundown outside the Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    An estimated crowd of 6000 gathered at sundown outside the Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
  • The Minneapolis skyline is the backdrop for The Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    The Minneapolis skyline is the backdrop for The Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
  • Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories

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  • Grant Mayland of Minneapolis wears a shirt decorated with cats while he waits for the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    Grant Mayland of Minneapolis wears a shirt decorated with cats while he waits for the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
  • A list of nominees in the varieties of categories are surveyed before the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    A list of nominees in the varieties of categories are surveyed before the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
  • George Larson of Minneapolis hurries to find a place to sit with his cat Fiona Mekenzie as they arrive at the The Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    George Larson of Minneapolis hurries to find a place to sit with his cat Fiona Mekenzie as they arrive at the The Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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  • Jeanne Morales of Minneapolis shows her cat purse before the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    Jeanne Morales of Minneapolis shows her cat purse before the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
  • Sally Russell, right, of Minneapolis reacts with her son Henry Roach, 11, as the first videos begin at the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    Sally Russell, right, of Minneapolis reacts with her son Henry Roach, 11, as the first videos begin at the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
  • Lori Priefer, left, and Jessa Alt, both of Minneapolis, talk about their cat themed shirts after arriving at the Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    Lori Priefer, left, and Jessa Alt, both of Minneapolis, talk about their cat themed shirts after arriving at the Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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  • Molly Haen, 3 arrived in costume with her mother Rachel Haen of St. Louis Park, Minn. for the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    Molly Haen, 3 arrived in costume with her mother Rachel Haen of St. Louis Park, Minn. for the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
  • Kristin Backman of Minneapolis photographs Lil Bub before the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    Kristin Backman of Minneapolis photographs Lil Bub before the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
  • An estimated crowd of 6000 gathers outside the Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    An estimated crowd of 6000 gathers outside the Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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  • Squirrel the cat relaxed as her owner, Vannesa Gadberry, center, of Minneapolis hands out cards advertising Squirrel's Facebook page before the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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    Squirrel the cat relaxed as her owner, Vannesa Gadberry, center, of Minneapolis hands out cards advertising Squirrel's Facebook page before the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

    Squirrel the cat relaxed as her owner, Vannesa Gadberry, center, of Minneapolis hands out cards advertising Squirrel's Facebook page before the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Leroy Bergstrom of Maple Plain, Minn. arrives with his cat Maestro before the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
The show begins at the The Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Jenson, a Devon Rex, has a look around before the beginning of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis, Minn., Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
A larger than expected crowd watches the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Melisande Charles of St. Paul, Minn., center, watches the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Will Branden of Seattle holds the Peoples Choice Award he won for "Henri Part 2" at the Walker Art Center after the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
John Nygren, center, of Chanhassen, Minn., watches the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
An estimated crowd of 6000 gathered at sundown outside the Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
The Minneapolis skyline is the backdrop for The Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Grant Mayland of Minneapolis wears a shirt decorated with cats while he waits for the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
A list of nominees in the varieties of categories are surveyed before the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
George Larson of Minneapolis hurries to find a place to sit with his cat Fiona Mekenzie as they arrive at the The Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Jeanne Morales of Minneapolis shows her cat purse before the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Sally Russell, right, of Minneapolis reacts with her son Henry Roach, 11, as the first videos begin at the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Lori Priefer, left, and Jessa Alt, both of Minneapolis, talk about their cat themed shirts after arriving at the Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Molly Haen, 3 arrived in costume with her mother Rachel Haen of St. Louis Park, Minn. for the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Kristin Backman of Minneapolis photographs Lil Bub before the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
An estimated crowd of 6000 gathers outside the Walker Art Center for the first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Squirrel the cat relaxed as her owner, Vannesa Gadberry, center, of Minneapolis hands out cards advertising Squirrel's Facebook page before the start of the Walker Art Center's first "Internet Cat Video Film Festival," showcasing the best of cat films on the Internet in Minneapolis Thursday Aug. 30, 2012. The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis held its first-ever online cat video festival, a compilation of silly cat clips that have become an Internet phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers for some of the videos. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis tested the boundaries of legitimate art with a film festival devoted to the online cat videos that pervade YouTube and social networks.

It's not unheard of for some cat videos to rack up as many as 50 million YouTube views. Most are simple: a cat tries and fails to jump into a cardboard box, or makes a ridiculously cute noise while eating a spoonful of sour cream. Some are more cinematic, with tricky angles, animated graphics, mood music and other tricks of the filmmaking trade.

Organizers of Thursday night's festival said they wanted to find out whether the private experience of viewing the videos online would translate to a shared and social experience when shown on an outdoor screen on the museum's grounds.

The festival made room for various kinds of cat videos, with categories for comedy, drama, foreign, animated, musical, art-house and documentary. Participants voted on a "People's Choice" award, and several "lifetime achievements" were handed out to a few of the all-time popular videos.

Organizers say what started as a lark quickly took on bigger dimensions when they got thousands of submissions for the festival.