A Friend of Dorothy
| A Friend of Dorothy | |
|---|---|
Promotional poster | |
| Directed by | Lee Knight |
| Written by | Lee Knight |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Vanessa Whyte |
| Edited by | Phil Hookway |
| Music by | Stuart Hancock |
Production companies |
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Release date |
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Running time | 21 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
A Friend of Dorothy is a 2025 British short comedy drama film written and directed by Lee Knight. The film starring Miriam Margolyes as a lonely widow and Alistair Nwachukwu as a teenage neighbour, depicts an unlikely, poignant bond over shared loneliness.[1][2]
It had its premiere in Shorts films at the Raindance Film Festival on 25 June 2025.[3]
It was nominated for the Best Live Action Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards.[4]
Summary
Dorothy, an 87-year-old widow whose health is declining but whose mind remains sharp, lives a quiet and solitary life; her son has moved to the other side of the world and rarely contacts her, and her grandson Scott is distant and patronizing. Her routine is unexpectedly disrupted when 17‑year‑old JJ sends a football into her garden. Dorothy permits him to retrieve the ball on the condition that he help her open a can of her prunes.
While waiting for her to locate her keys, JJ becomes curious in her library of plays, and their ensuing conversation reveals that JJ is interested in becoming an actor, and Dorothy and her late husband had financially supported local theaters and prospective drama students. After JJ moves her with a reading from The Inheritance, Dorothy proposes that he come over daily to assist her and practice his acting, and the two gradually form a meaningful friendship.
After Dorothy passes away, JJ is summoned to the reading of her will, where it is revealed that Dorothy left him her entire collection of plays. Hidden in a copy of a book is a check for £50,000, and a note of encouragement from Dorothy to pursue his dream of acting and attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
Cast
- Miriam Margolyes as Dorothy Woodley
- Stephen Fry as Dickie
- Alistair Nwachukwu as JJ
- Oscar Lloyd as Scott Woodley
Release
A Friend of Dorothy was screened in Shorts films at the Raindance Film Festival on 25 June 2025.[3]
It was presented for its East Coast Premiere in the Naples International Film Festival as opening night short film on 23 October 2025.[5]
The film was screened at the Coronado Island Film Festival on 9 November 2025.[6]
It was presented in the HollyShorts Film Festival London 2025 in November 2025.[7]
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raindance Film Festival | 27 June 2025 | Best UK Short Film | A Friend of Dorothy | Nominated | [8] |
| Odense International Film Festival | 31 August 2025 | Audience Award | Won | [9] | |
| New Renaissance Film Festival | 28 September 2025 | Emerging Talent Award | Won | [10] | |
| HollyShorts Film Festival | 17 November 2025 | Best Drama Presented by Le Kool Champagne | Won | [11] | |
| Academy Awards | 15 March 2026 | Best Live Action Short Film | Nominated | [4][12] |
See also
- Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film
- Submissions for Best Documentary Short Academy Award
- Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film
- 98th Academy Awards
References
- ^ "A Friend of Dorothy". British Council. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
- ^ Cormack, Morgan (20 May 2025). "Stephen Fry, Miriam Margolyes and more in first look at A Friend of Dorothy". RadioTimes. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
- ^ a b "A Friend of Dorothy". Raindance Film Festival Cine. 25 June 2025. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
- ^ a b "The 98th Academy Awards | (2026)". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
- ^ Matthew, Carey (13 October 2025). "Naples Int'l Film Festival Announces Full Slate, From Narrative 'On A String' To "Colorful Documentary" On 'The Pantone Guy'". Deadline. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
- ^ "A Friend of Dorothy". Coronado Island Film Festival. 9 November 2025. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
- ^ "Announcing HollyShorts London 2025 Official Selections". HollyShorts Film Festival. 16 October 2025. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
- ^ "A Friend of Dorothy - 33rd Raindance Film Festival". Raindance Film Festival. Retrieved 23 January 2026.
- ^ "The winners of OFF25 have been announced!". Odense International Film Festival. 30 August 2025. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
- ^ "Winners". New Renaissance Film Festival. Retrieved 23 January 2026.
- ^ "Celebrating 2nd Annual HollyShorts London Award Winners". HollyShorts Film Festival. 17 November 2025. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
- ^ Lewis, Hilary (22 January 2026). "Oscars: Full List of Nominees". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 22 January 2026.