Science on Screen at the Digital Gym Theater will focus on Animal Perspectives in Film.

This screening is part of Science on Screen, a grant program bringing science to cinemas.

Synopsis: Whether through bustling streets or decrepit ruins, the gaze of three stray dogs provides a window into the overlooked corners of Turkish society. Zeytin, Nazar and Kartal lead us on inconspicuous journeys throughout Istanbul, allowing for unusual and unvarnished portraits of human and canine life. 

Our presentation of STRAY, will be followed by a Q&A with Dr. Zarah Hedge, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at the San Diego Humane Society.

Bio: As chief medical officer, Dr. Zarah Hedge oversees a team of 25+ veterinarians who provide lifesaving specialized surgeries, progressive treatments and long-term care and rehabilitation for San Diego Humane Society’s animal patients. The Veterinary Medicine department operates across four shelter locations, providing medical care rarely found in traditional shelter environments. In addition to medical exams, vaccinations, microchipping, diagnostics and other basic care, it provides advanced treatment for infectious diseases, dental and orthopedic surgeries, and more. The team also performs more than 21,000 spay and neuter procedures each year, many at low or no cost.

Certified veterinarians in the field of shelter medicine remain quite limited. Zarah is one of approximately 30 veterinarians in the world who hold the distinction of being certified in shelter medicine by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. She has more than a decade of experience and is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, where she was also an assistant professor after graduating.

Prior to joining San Diego Humane Society in 2019, Zarah worked as hospital director at WesternU Spay/Neuter Center in Van Nuys. She also continues to serve as a reserve field veterinarian for Rural Area Veterinary Services, a program of Humane Society of the United States. Four weeks per year, she travels to provide direct veterinary care to animals living on Native American reservations, including spay/neuter surgeries and preventive services. Zarah lives in Ocean Beach with her partner, her pup Gizmo — an adorable long-hair chihuahua mix — and cats Nica, Nora, Lilian, Mr. Cuddles and Ricky Bobby.

An initiative of the COOLIDGE CORNER THEATRE, with major support from the ALFRED P. SLOAN FOUNDATION.

Showtimes:
Monday, May 19, 2025: 7:00
Ticket Prices: $13 Regular / $11 Students & Seniors / $9 Members
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC38BqP2_fI&ab_channel=MagnoliaPictures%26MagnetReleasing