Actress and Animal Activist Nikki Reed to Host the Third Annual Catdance Film Festival in Park City

Reed Will Don Custom Cat Dome Ring to Benefit the ASPCA® at the Festival Presented by the Makers of Fresh Step® Litter

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Jan 22, 2015, 08:00 ET

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Break out the first-rate feline finery for the furriest celebration of independent film. Now in its third year, the Catdance Film Festival* presented by Fresh Step^® litter and hosted by actress and animal activist Nikki Reed, returns to famed Park City, Utah at the heart of the independent film scene on Jan. 24 to bestow the golden litter scoop to the best original feline short film and entertain guests with other MEOW-velous festivities.

The Catdance Film Festival is returning to Park City, Utah on Saturday, Jan.

Fresh Step is presenting Catdance as part of its Million Meow Mission, a campaign to help shelters and rescues find more forever homes for cats. For the first time, feline film fans will mingle with adoptable kittens on the red carpet. Six featured films starring shelter cats will debut at the festival along with a custom 14-karat gold and diamond cat dome ring worn by Reed. The feline bling will be auctioned off beginning Jan. 24 at Charitybuzz.com/catdance and 80 percent of the auction price will benefit the ASPCA^®(The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®).

"I'm thrilled to host the Catdance Film Festival this year and support Fresh Step in its Million Meow Mission," said Reed. "I get to share the red carpet with adorable kittens, debut amazing feline films starring shelter cats, and wear a stunning cat ring to benefit the ASPCA, a cause very close to my heart - what's not to love about this special night!"

Give a Round of Ap"paws" For Fantastic Feline Films
Catdance scratched the surface of kitty flicks in its first two years, and is back this year with six original cat short films, each starring shelter cats. The festival helps shine the spotlight on the fun and quirky nature of cats and supports Fresh Step in its Million Meow Mission. Help share 1 million cat moments using #MillionMeowMission.

"The 2015 Catdance Film Festival gives Fresh Step an opportunity to recognize and support both the talented filmmakers that put kitties on the silver screen and the adorable, adoptable felines that deserve the spotlight," said Shekinah Eliassen, Fresh Step brand manager. "We hope the films will inspire cat lovers to support their local shelters and consider adopting a shelter cat."

While many filmmakers pounced at the opportunity to enter, Reed will bestow the coveted 2015 golden litter scoop and $10,000 "kitty" to only one grand prize winner, who will see his or her film on the big screen that night. Also making its Catdance Film Festival debut is Fresh Step Lightweight Extreme litter, which will present a special film called "Hover Cat" showing how cats defy gravity. All kitty lovers can get their feline flick fix at FreshStep.com where the 2015 Catdance films after the event on Jan. 24.

Bring on the Beautiful Bling to Benefit the ASPCA
In addition to introducing the films, Reed will debut the latest in feline bling to benefit the ASPCA^®. Striking a pose on the catwalk, Reed will bear a paw-some ring designed by jewelry artist Ashley Berman of Ashley Morgan designs. The one-of-a kind cat-inspired dome ring is 14-karat gold with stunning sapphires and diamonds that make kitty's face irresistible. Feline fashion lovers everywhere have the chance to get their paws on this custom ring, which will be on auction Jan. 24 through Feb. 10 at Charitybuzz.com/catdance. Eighty percent of the auction price will benefit the ASPCA^®.

Fresh Step's Million Meow Mission
Fresh Step's Million Meow Mission is designed to help shelters find cats loving homes. "For more than a decade, we've supported a multitude of cat care causes," said Eliassen. "Through the Million Meow Mission, Fresh Step users can take simple steps that benefit cats in need one scoop at a time, one cat at a time."

Each time a Fresh Step Paw Points member enters their point, Fresh Step donates a scoop of litter (up to 1 million scoops) to animal shelters. Members can also join the Mission by donating their Paw Points to local animal shelters. Fresh Step has already donated nearly 4 million points to local animal shelters. To learn more or join the Million Meow Mission, log onto freshstep.com/pawpoints.

The Clorox Company
The Clorox Company is a leading multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products with about 7,700 employees worldwide and fiscal year 2014 sales of $5.5 billion. Clorox markets some of the most trusted and recognized consumer brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products; Pine-Sol® cleaners; Liquid Plumr® clog removers; Poett® home care products; Fresh Step® cat litter; Glad® bags, wraps and containers; Kingsford® charcoal; Hidden Valley® and KC Masterpiece® dressings and sauces; Brita® water-filtration products and Burt's Bees® natural personal care products. The company also markets brands for professional services, including Clorox Healthcare®, HealthLink®, Aplicare® and Dispatch® infection control products for the healthcare industry. More than 80 percent of the company's brands hold the No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in their categories. Clorox's commitment to corporate responsibility includes making a positive difference in its communities. In fiscal year 2014, The Clorox Company and The Clorox Company Foundation contributed more than $16 million in combined cash grants, product donations, cause marketing and employee volunteerism. For more information, visit TheCloroxCompany.com.

About the ASPCA^®Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation's leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA's mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

*Fresh Step litter is hosting the screening and using the Catdance Film Festival name with permission, but is not an official sponsor of the Sundance Film Festival