Edition 2025
100'
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2025
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Documentary, Music/Musical
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Format:
DCP
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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
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