
16/12/2024
Stray (2020) is a poignant documentary directed by Elizabeth Lo that follows the lives of three stray dogs—Zeytin, Nazar, and Kartal—as they roam the streets of Istanbul, Turkey. Through the eyes of these dogs, the film offers a unique, ground-level perspective on the lives of the city's human inhabitants. The film draws attention to the city's policy of allowing stray animals to live freely on the streets, unlike in many other cities where strays are taken to shelters. The dogs form unique bonds with marginalized groups, including homeless people and refugees, revealing the profound empathy shared between them. Stray is a quiet, observational piece that sheds light on the interconnections between human and animal lives, exploring themes of freedom, survival, and companionship.