In STRAY, a trio of canine outcasts roam the streets of Istanbul. Through their eyes and ears, we are shown an intimate portrait of the life of a city and its people.
About the film
Through the eyes of three stray dogs wandering the streets of Istanbul, STRAY explores what it means to live as a being without status or security. As they search for food and shelter, Zeytin, Nazar and Kartal embark on inconspicuous journeys through Turkish society that allow us an unvarnished portrait of human life — and their own canine culture. Zeytin, fiercely independent, embarks on solitary adventures through the city at night; Nazar, nurturing and protective, easily befriends the humans around her; while Kartal, a shy puppy living on the outskirts of a construction site, finds refuge with the security guards who care for her. The disparate lives of Zeytin, Nazar and Kartal intersect when they each form intimate bonds with a group of young Syrians who share the streets with them. Whether they lead us into bustling streets or decrepit ruins, the gaze of these strays act as windows into the overlooked corners of society: women in loveless marriages, protesters without arms, refugees without sanctuary. The film is a critical observation of human civilization through the unfamiliar gaze of dogs and a sensory voyage into new ways of seeing.
#StrayWatchParty-26th March 2021
How it works:
- On 26th March, dog owners and lovers are encouraged to take a photo of their dog watching STRAY, and to share a photo or short video on Instagram/Twitter tagging @Dogwoof using #StrayWatchParty.
- They will select three lucky winners who enter, who will receive a special Stray bundle with treats for themselves and their dog.
Reviews
"A work of genius... an unexpected gem which celebrates and challenges the humanity of those who watch it"
Michael Moore
"Delightful... The filmmaker's eyes may rarely leave the dogs, but what she’s really looking at is us." - Critics' Pick
The New York Times
"Remarkable... Lo’s humane film helps us glimpse the lives of those who are often overlooked, whether they walk the streets of Istanbul on four legs or two."
The Los Angeles Times
"An incredibly stirring film. The director has something profound to say about humanity."
Screen Comment
“A howling success. An extraordinary technical feat as well as profoundly expressive... Not to be missed”
The Hollywood Reporter
“The ultimate love letter to dogs and a multifaceted moral inquiry into humanity.”
Variety
"Strangely beautiful"
Screen Daily
“Dog lovers will drool over this profound canine love letter from Turkey”
IndieWire
"A captivating and immersive documentary. There’s a tremendous amount of human skill, empathy, observational power and narrative shaping in Lo’s mesmerizing canine saga.”
Filmmaker Magazine
STRAY is released digitally on March 26, with special previews to celebrate National Puppy Day on March 23.
For tickets and more information: https://www.stray-film.co.uk/.