Oscar Nominee’s The Cat Man Eshete Trailer Previews Timely Refugee Movie | Exclusive

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ComingSoon can exclusively reveal the trailer for The Cat Man Eshete.

The filmmaker Laura Checkoway, who was nominated for an Oscar, presents a fresh, new short documentary titled “The Cat Man Eshete.” At the 90th Academy Awards, she earned an Oscar nomination for her documentary short “Edith+Eddie.

Check out the exclusive The Cat Man Eshete trailer below (watch more trailers and clips):

https://player.vimeo.com/video/1084603553

What happens in The Cat Man Eshete trailer?

The documentary shares the extraordinary tale of Eshete, once a refugee fleeing Ethiopia’s civil war on foot as a young man, now dedicating his life to caring for a group of stray cats in Brooklyn, New York. Eshete has become the core of a tight-knit neighborhood, even though he lives somewhat on society’s outskirts. This personal documentary not only captures the essence of community support but also showcases the compassionate New Yorkers who assist in caring for these felines, as well as for one another.

Beyond just directing, Checkoway also collaborates on creating the short film with Margo Mars and Thomas Lee Wright.

Checkoway stated, “A simple ‘hello’ from a man surrounded by cats on my local street sparked a valuable piece of urban experience that extends beyond the movie. Beyond the screen, Eshete and I have formed a cherished friendship. Throughout all my projects, I strive to emphasize our shared humanity, focusing particularly on individuals who are frequently misjudged, and fostering empathy towards each other and ourselves.

Parts of the film were filmed in New York City and Eshete’s hometown of Gondar, Ethiopia.

On June 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. Eastern Time, the documentary “The Cat Man Eshete” will have its Brooklyn debut at the Brooklyn Film Festival. Before World Refugee Day on June 16, it will make its television premiere worldwide on Al Jazeera English’s acclaimed series, Witness. Following this, it will be available for streaming globally, including in the United States and Canada.

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2025-05-19 23:10