The stray dogs of Istanbul take center stage in new film at Fisher Theatre
Sedona AZ (February 25, 2021) – Dog-lovers, this one is for you! The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the award-winning new documentary “Stray” showing March 5-11 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
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.
“Stray” is a critical observation of human civilization through the unfamiliar gaze of dogs and a sensory voyage into new ways of seeing.
“The ultimate love letter to dogs, and a multifaceted moral inquiry into humanity.” — Variety
“Stirring” (Hollywood Reporter) and “Profound” (IndieWire).
“Stray” will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre March 5-11. Showtimes will be 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 5, 6 and 7; and 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, March 10 and 11.
Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.