Christchurch filmmaker Slavko Martinov is using the universal love of cats as a tool for diplomacy in his latest documentary, Cats in Conflict.

The film, shot in some of the world’s most volatile regions, explores how the bond over cats can bring people together, even in the midst of conflict.

Martinov’s mission is to reveal the shared humanity that exists across cultural and political divides, focusing on the simple yet profound act of rescuing cats in war-torn areas.

Speaking about his experience filming on the ground in 2022, Martinov described a range of emotions. “My first shot was with an air raid siren going off,” he said. “I was filming a rescuer, watching people gather their cats, trying to stay focused while huddling down. It never stops. But it also becomes normalised quickly. Just days in, I saw soldiers running after people with guns, and you just adapt. There are intense, heartbreaking stories, but amidst it all, people are still beautiful, loving, and covered in cats.”

The idea for Cats in Conflict stemmed from a casual conversation at a film festival where Martinov joked about making a documentary on cats. This joke became serious when he read about the “cat man of Aleppo” in Syria, who stayed behind in the war zone to care for cats when everyone else had fled.

The seed was planted, and Martinov decided to create a film about rescuing cats in conflict zones, starting with Israel and Palestine.

One standout figure in the documentary is a cat rescuer in Jerusalem, a person whose views are starkly different from Martinov’s own. “She’s the antithesis of polarisation,” Martinov said. “Despite our different worldviews, when we’re together rescuing cats, it’s like sharing a meal—it’s hard not to see the humanity in each other. That’s the point of the film. It doesn’t matter if you love cats or not; what matters is finding common ground.”

Martinov’s documentary showcases the striking contrast between the chaos of conflict and the peaceful lives of cats. “The cats are an allegory for humans,” he said. “A cat in Tel Aviv is different from a cat in Hebron. They all have different temperaments. The rescuers have to break a cycle of violence and teach kindness. They’re like warriors, working to change hearts and minds.”

Martinov also developed a close friendship with a filmmaker in Gaza, a relationship that highlighted the power of raw, unfiltered journalism. “He became world-famous for capturing the reality of life in Gaza,” Martinov explained. “His footage shows what’s happening to children and babies without any censorship. It’s raw, profound, and deeply traumatic, both for those filming and for those watching.”

Throughout his journey, Martinov found his own biases challenged. He met people who defied expectations, including those living in extreme conditions who still found ways to show compassion and love for cats. “Even in places where I thought I knew what to expect, I found people who were open-minded, defiant, and full of love. It’s a reminder that conflict is complex, and there’s always more beneath the surface.”

As Martinov works to complete the film, he has launched a crowdfunding campaign to maintain the project’s independence. “We had interest from many at Cannes last year, but funding became challenging after recent events,” Martinov said. “Crowdfunding allows us to move quickly and keep our independence. Anyone who loves cats or believes in peace can help us make a difference.”

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VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH SLAVKO MARTINOV WILL BE PUBLISHED ON SUNDAY 7PM