Lee Knight Talks About Crafting a Heartfelt Queer Friendship Story with Miriam Margolyes in ‘A Friend of Dorothy’
In the film A Friend of Dorothy, directed by Lee Knight, an unexpected friendship blossoms between two characters from vastly different generations. The narrative follows Dorothy, portrayed by Miriam Margolyes, an elderly woman facing health challenges, who develops a bond with high school student JJ, played by Alistair Nwachukwu. Their relationship begins when JJ accidentally sends his football into her garden, leading to conversations that organically deepen their connection. JJ aids Dorothy with household tasks, while she encourages him to pursue his theatre dreams, liberating him from societal expectations regarding gender and sexuality.
Produced by Stephen Daldry and Sonia Friedman, this Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying short film has received acclaim at several festivals, earning honors including Best Actor for Nwachukwu and Best Director at the Indie Shorts Awards Cannes. It has also claimed Best Drama Short at the HollyShorts Festival in London and both the Jury Prize and Audience Award at the OUTshine Film Festival.
Insights from Lee Knight
In an interview, Knight discussed the inspiration behind the film, focusing on themes of queer identity and intergenerational friendship.
DEADLINE: What was the impetus for this short film?
LEE KNIGHT: I was performing Hamlet during the latter part of the 2021 lockdown. While staying in a cottage in Windsor, I missed a dear elderly friend of mine who had become lonely after her husband passed away. Meeting with us brought her joy and a resurgence of her passion for the arts. This fictional story is inspired by her friendship and our shared experiences, though she sadly never got to see the film’s success.
Stephen Fry in A Friend of Dorothy
DEADLINE: How much of this film would you say is you?
KNIGHT: Much of the film reflects my personal values and experiences. Like JJ, my husband is a Black actor, and I’m reminded of my past when Dorothy encourages JJ to read aloud. It parallels my journey of self-discovery and the support I received from my husband. Several elements in the film connect directly to my life, bringing it full circle as Sonia Friedman and Stephen Daldry, producers for both The Inheritance and A Friend of Dorothy, were integral to my journey.
DEADLINE: What specific themes did you want to pull out of the short?
KNIGHT: I didn’t set out to emphasize specific themes, but the organic nature of the story allows multiple themes to emerge. I’m particularly passionate about the lack of roles for women of a certain age and the need for representation. This issue resonates with me personally, as my own mother navigated a challenging life transition and emerged empowered.
DEADLINE: What was the process of getting comfortable behind the camera like?
KNIGHT: I have long desired to share my own stories. The journey has often been filled with rejection, but stepping onto set felt like a culmination of my experiences. Despite initial self-doubt, working with talented individuals like Miriam Margolyes made the process euphoric. It was essential for me to recognize my voice as worthy and necessary.
DEADLINE: Talk about your connection with Miriam Margolyes in this project.
KNIGHT: I wrote the character with Miriam in mind, inspired by my friend. After I sent her the script through a mutual acquaintance, she expressed her excitement, having never received a script written specifically for her before. Miriam’s response validated my vision, and her commitment to the project was evident from the start.
Miriam Margolyes and Alistair Nwachuku in A Friend of Dorothy
DEADLINE: How did you find Alistair Nwachukwu for the role of JJ?
KNIGHT: The casting director conducted auditions to find the right fit for this challenging role. Alistair stood out for his emotional depth and commitment, promising to give his all to the character. His performance consistently resonates with audiences, capturing the purity and honesty of his role.
DEADLINE: Where was the film shot? The house where Dorothy lives looks incredibly cozy.
KNIGHT: The filming location was a house in Holland Park, an upscale area in Kensington. This particular home had not been modernized because the owner wanted to maintain its value for inheritance purposes. Interestingly, the house belonged to actress Ann Todd, whose full name was Dorothy Ann Todd, linking her story to our film.
DEADLINE: What would you like audiences to reflect on while watching the short?
KNIGHT: I encourage viewers to consider how impactful brief moments can be in someone’s life. Recognizing and accepting our differences—whether in race, age, religion, or sexuality—can profoundly influence one’s path. In today’s world, fostering empathy and connection is crucial, and perhaps looking up from our devices will help us appreciate one another more fully.
[This interview has been edited for length and clarity]
