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Oscar-Nominated Short Film Finds New Home
2 Jan
Summary
- An Oscar-shortlisted live-action short film is now on Disney+.
- The film explores an intergenerational friendship between an elderly woman and her teen neighbor.
- It was inspired by a real-life bond between the director and his late neighbor.

Oscar-shortlisted live-action short film 'A Friend of Dorothy' is now available on Disney+ in the UK and across Europe. Directed by Lee Knight, the film is an intergenerational tale focusing on the unlikely friendship between elderly Dorothy and her teenage neighbor, JJ. The story draws inspiration from a real-life bond experienced by the director.
Miriam Margolyes stars as Dorothy, a lonely widow, while Alistair Nwachukwu plays JJ, who provides companionship and helps with household tasks. Dorothy, in turn, encourages JJ's aspirations to become a stage actor. The film, which previously won awards at HollyShorts London, premiered at Raindance and has had a successful festival run.
Knight expressed gratitude for the Academy's shortlisting, emphasizing the film's message about human connection and acceptance. The release on Disney+ aims to broaden the film's reach beyond the festival circuit to a mainstream audience. This British-produced short explores loneliness, connection, and the power of unexpected friendships.




