Lee Knight Creates a Heartwarming Queer Friendship Story Featuring Miriam Margolyes in ‘A Friend Of Dorothy’

Friendship can blossom in the most unexpected ways, and A Friend of Dorothy, written and directed by actor Lee Knight, demonstrates this beautifully. The short film tells the story of Dorothy (Miriam Margolyes), an elderly woman facing health challenges, who forms an unlikely bond with a high school student, JJ (Alistair Nwachukwu), after his football lands in her garden.

As their friendship develops, JJ begins helping Dorothy with everyday tasks, such as opening difficult jars, while Dorothy empowers JJ to embrace his identity beyond societal expectations of gender and sexuality. She also inspires him to pursue his passion for acting through their shared love of performing and reading plays.

The Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying short, produced by Stephen Daldry and Sonia Friedman, has already earned recognition at numerous film festivals, including awards for Best Actor for Nwachukwu and Best Director at the Indie Shorts Awards Cannes, Best Drama Short at HollyShorts London, Best Director at HollyShorts Los Angeles, and both the Jury Prize and Audience Award at the OUTshine Film Festival.

Inspiration Behind the Story

Knight drew inspiration from a cherished friendship with an elderly neighbor who brought joy to his life and reignited her own love for the arts. The story is fictional, but it was inspired by a very special friendship with someone who meant the world to me, Knight explained. Although she passed away before seeing the films success, her influence remains at the heart of the story.

Personal Touches in the Film

Knight shared that the story reflects many aspects of his own life. Like JJ, Knights husband is Black, and scenes such as Dorothy encouraging JJ to read mirror his own experiences as a young, closeted aspiring actor supported by his partner. The play The Inheritance, featured in the film, also ties to Knights real-life experiences in theater, bringing a sense of full-circle authenticity to the project.

Themes and Motivations

Rather than targeting specific themes, Knight wanted the story to feel organic and authentic. He emphasized his interest in creating meaningful roles for older women, inspired by his own mothers journey of rediscovering herself later in life. The narrative explores empowerment, identity, and the beauty of intergenerational friendship.

Directorial Debut and Casting

Making his writing and directing debut, Knight described the experience as both challenging and fulfilling. Even though its my debut as a writer, I have been finding my voice for some time, he said. Miriam Margolyes was chosen for the role of Dorothy even before Knight met her, and she immediately connected to the script, feeling it was written specifically for her.

Finding JJ required careful casting. Alistair Nwachukwu impressed from the start, displaying deep commitment and a natural connection with Knight, making the friendship in the film feel genuine and heartfelt.

Filming Location

The film was shot in a charming house in Holland Park, Kensington, which had remained largely unchanged over the years. Interestingly, the house had belonged to the actress Ann Todd, whose birth name was Dorothy Ann Todd, adding a serendipitous connection to the character of Dorothy.

Message to Audiences

Knight hopes viewers recognize the power of small interactions to profoundly impact lives. Despite differences in race, age, religion, or sexuality, we all have the ability to touch someones life in meaningful ways, he said. The film encourages seeing and valuing people authentically, suggesting that such awareness could make the world a better place.

Author: Chloe Ramirez