Since her first adventure 125 years ago in L. Frank Baum’s classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, Dorothy Gale has been on countless more, becoming a foundational touchpoint of American culture whose legacy lives on today. This joyous essay film is an exciting adventure in its own right, expertly weaving together the story of Oz, the influence of Dorothy’s first iconic portrayer, Judy Garland, and the countless iterations that followed.

Tribeca alum Jeffrey McHale returns to the festival with a film that is mesmerizing in its construction. Thoughtful and insightful, It’s Dorothy! enlists a chorus of cultural icons, unforgettable music and a magical remix of archival and cinematic art to showcase how the story of Dorothy Gale has long served and continues to be a beacon for those who are often overlooked. Beautifully rendered, this documentary lives up to its namesake in an engaging manner.—Faridah Gbadamosi

Jeffrey McHale