Stray Dogs (2013 Film)

Stray Dogs (Chinese: 郊遊; pinyin: Jiāoyóu) is a 2013 arthouse drama film directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Tsai Ming-Liang. Co-produced by companies in Taiwan and France, the film explores the struggles of an impoverished family living on the margins of Taipei.

Promotional image for the film Stray Dogs — Promotional poster for Stray Dogs

Plot

A father and his two children navigate the difficult urban landscape of modern-day Taipei. By day, the father works as a human billboard advertising luxury apartments, while his young children scavenge for food in supermarkets and shopping malls. At night, the family takes shelter in an abandoned building where a hypnotic mural decorates a wall. When a mysterious woman enters their lives on the father's birthday, lingering emotions and the past come to the surface.

Cast

The principal cast features frequent Tsai Ming-Liang collaborator Lee Kang-Sheng alongside Chen Shiang-Chyi, Yi Cheng Lee, Yi Chieh Lee, and Yi Ching Lu.

Still from the film Stray Dogs — A scene from the film Stray Dogs

Release and Film Festivals

Stray Dogs had its world premiere on September 4, 2013, in competition at the 70th Venice Film Festival. Following its premiere in Italy, the movie was screened at numerous international film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, the Vancouver International Film Festival, and the Busan International Film Festival.

Awards

At the 70th Venice Film Festival, Stray Dogs received the Grand Jury Prize.