Stray: A Visual Journey into the Life of Istanbul's Street Dogs

🐕Street dogs in Istanbul thrive and live in harmony with humans, unlike in many other countries where they are considered a nuisance.

🎥The film Stray provides a wordless meditation on freedom, capturing the essence of living life on one's own terms.

🌍The contrasting treatment of stray dogs in different cultures raises thought-provoking questions about our attitudes towards animals and their place in society.

📽️Elizabeth Lowe's innovative filming techniques, including crouching at the dog's eye level, immerse viewers in the dogs' world and create a deeper connection with their experiences.

🐾Through the lens of a resilient stray dog named Zeytin, Stray sheds light on the resilience and adaptability of these animals in challenging environments.

Why did Elizabeth Lowe choose Istanbul as the setting for Stray?

—Elizabeth Lowe selected Istanbul due to its unique cultural history and how it has maintained a spiritual relationship with street dogs over the years.

How did Elizabeth Lowe find Zeytin, the main dog featured in the film?

—Elizabeth Lowe discovered Zeytin while exploring Istanbul's streets. Zeytin's captivating face and independent nature made her the perfect representative for the film's perspective.

Did the crew face any challenges while shooting the film?

—Yes, the crew faced physical challenges, such as crouching for extended periods and following Zeytin's unpredictable movements. They also encountered technical difficulties with tracking devices being stolen.

What was Elizabeth Lowe's intention in filming Stray from the dog's perspective?

—Elizabeth Lowe aimed to provide audiences with a fresh perspective on stray dogs' lives and challenge societal norms by highlighting the world from the dogs' point of view.

What impact does Stray have on viewers?

—Stray leaves a lasting emotional impact on viewers, encouraging them to reevaluate their own attitudes towards animals and consider the notion of freedom from an alternative perspective.

00:02Stray introduces the captivating world of Istanbul's street dogs and the harmonious coexistence they share with humans.

05:20Elizabeth Lowe's inspiration for Stray came from the contrasting treatment of stray dogs in different cultural contexts.

09:52Filming Stray required physical endurance as the crew navigated the city at the dog's eye level and followed Zeytin's autonomous movements.

11:58The film exhibits a unique perspective by presenting the world through the eyes of a street dog, challenging our understanding of freedom and human-animal relationships.

12:03The crew trusted Zeytin's instincts while crossing roadways and railways, capturing authentic and unscripted moments.