A Friend of Dorothy
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.
It had its premiere in Shorts films at the Raindance Film Festival on 25 June 2025.
It was nominated for the Best Live Action Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards.
Summary
Dorothy, an elderly widow whose health is declining but whose mind remains sharp, lives a quiet and solitary life. Her routine is unexpectedly disrupted when 17‑year‑old JJ sends a football into her garden, leading to an unexpected connection between them. Despite their differences in age and circumstance, the two gradually form a meaningful friendship and discover unexpected common ground.Cast
- Miriam Margolyes as Dorothy
- Stephen Fry as Dickie
- Alistair Nwachukwu as JJ
- Oscar Lloyd as Scott
Release
A Friend of Dorothy was screened in Shorts films at the Raindance Film Festival on 25 June 2025.It was presented for its East Coast Premiere in the Naples International Film Festival as opening night short film on 23 October 2025.
The film was screened at the Coronado Island Film Festival on 9 November 2025.
It was presented in the HollyShorts Film Festival London 2025 in November 2025.