Stray

... but not much more. A documentary with interesting facts about dogs' lives in Istanbul, some insight into the long canine-human history, a little cautious commentary on refugees and politics. Is it really a movie? I am not sure.

This is the story of a lucky stray dog. Not many of them find leftover food or a warm corner to sleep during freezing winter times. In rural parts of Turkey, stray animals are treated like insects and no one can change this fact but in Istanbul some lucky ones even star in documentaries.

I understand the reason behind the film's appeal to the international audience. It's interesting, if you've never been to turkey. you don't know there are strays roaming? cool, interesting. you don't know there are syrian kids out on the streets, making ends meet? this film is a starter. but other than that, what is there really? and most importantly, what does it really say about either dogs or the refugees? does it even try?

the film really feels as though an outsider found themselves in a completely new environment and they were so shocked that they had to observe everything before they could say a word. there are no risks taken, just a camera following the same dogs and kids for an hour and half.

if the film's supposed to be about the kids we follow, why not talk to them or get to know their families or give them a chance to speak for the situations they are in? if it's about the strays as it claims, why not interact with people, volunteers, communities that feed them every single day. as it is, it feels like an exotic framing of the most mundane situations for the people and animals that are actually in them. it does not try to learn more, it is just there to film it.

as someone who resides in turkey, i thought it was bittersweet to see the kids with their beloved dogs but i can't help but feel a bit betrayed by how lazy both the concept and production were overall.

This documentary film is absolutely terrific, it gives you such an amazing view of Istanbul from just the perspective of the dogs that wonder free in the city. With no words or back story, you feel so emotionally attached to Zeytin and certain other dogs and people she encounters on her travels. A must watch for any animal lover.

I was sad to see the dogs on the street. I don't have a clue how it is in that county. I'm a dog lover and I hate to see how the have to roam the streets and fight other dogs. My heart is broken that the homeless is struggling as well as those dogs and so many around the world don't know the love of a owner. Thank you for opening my eyes. Gayle Moon ( United States).