49cd6696 ed03 4161 9548 6172175ddf8b

Jeffrey McHale

It's Dorothy!

Director Jeffrey McHale Music (original) Jamie Jackson, H. Anton Riehl, Waz Cast Ashanti, Fairuza Balk, Danielle Hope, Rufus Wainwright, John Waters, Judy Garland
100' - 2025 - Documentary, Music/Musical - Format: DCP - Dialogue: English

Are you a friend of Dorothy? It's Dorothy explores how Dorothy Gale of The Wizard of Oz grew into a cultural icon. Weaving together archival footage, music, and personal stories from those who've played her, this energetic documentary shows how Dorothy from Kansas became a symbol of resilience, identity, and inclusion across theatre, pop culture, queer communities and feminist movements.

It's Dorothy! is a captivating documentary exploring the cultural legacy of Dorothy Gale, the legendary central character from The Wizard of Oz. How has this young girl from Kansas managed to enchant so many generations? Through archival footage, music, and interviews with actresses like Fairuza Balk, Shanice Shantay, and Ashanti - who have each stepped into Dorothy's ruby slippers - the film shows how this iconic character is continually reinterpreted. Her bright red shoes have come to symbolize self-discovery, but also grief and hope. Naturally, Jeffrey McHale also zooms in on Judy Garland's influential performance, which left an indelible mark on the queer community (Are you a friend of Dorothy?). The documentary weaves Garland's story together with contemporary interpretations, from Broadway to British reality TV. The different actresses candidly share how portraying Dorothy helped them explore their own identities - and in doing so, inspired millions of others. It's Dorothy! is a visually layered, musical, and moving tribute to a character that continues to speak to us, even far beyond Kansas.

Image gallery

0735bfa5 a7d2 4eea af1b a873b0f9c038
49cd6696 ed03 4161 9548 6172175ddf8b

Credits

Directors

Jeffrey McHale

Music (original)

Jamie Jackson, H. Anton Riehl, Waz

Sound Designer

Joe Milner

Cast

Ashanti, Fairuza Balk, Danielle Hope, Rufus Wainwright, John Waters, Judy Garland

Scenario

Jeffrey McHale

Director of Photography

Eve M. Cohen

Editors

Jeffrey McHale

Producers

Ariana Garfinkel, Zel McCarthy, Suzanne Zionts

Sales agent

Ariana Garfinkel, Film Sales Company

Production studios

Different Places

More info

Dialogue

English

Countries of production

United States of America

Year

2025

Filmography

Jeffrey McHale
SoulMaid (short, 2007), Eye of the Sandman (short, 2010), Crowned & Bound (short, 2010), You Don't Nomi (2019), It's Dorothy! (2025)

Technical Specs

Format
DCP