Private Project

Friends of Dorothy: The Yellow Brick Code

"Friends of Dorothy: The Yellow Brick Code" is a dazzling short film exploring the queer legacy of Oz, from L. Frank Baum’s book to the camp of the 1939 MGM classic and the world of "Wicked." Featuring drag superstar Ginger Minj and author Gregory Maguire, it celebrates Judy Garland as a gay icon and Oz as a haven for LGBTQ+ fans. A spirited tribute to chosen family, fabulousness, and the enduring magic of Oz.

  • Randy Schmidt
    Director
    Judy Garland: Property of MGM
  • Randy Schmidt
    Writer
    Karen Carpenter: Starving for Perfection, Mysteries of Oz: 85 Questions Answered, Judy Garland: Property of MGM
  • Randy Schmidt
    Producer
    Karen Carpenter: Starving for Perfection, Mysteries of Oz: 85 Questions Answered, Judy Garland: Property of MGM
  • Andy Streitfeld
    Executive Producer
  • Ryan Bunch
    Key Cast
  • Gregory Maguire
    Key Cast
  • Ginger Minj
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Documentary Short, LGBT+
  • Runtime:
    21 minutes 55 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 25, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Randy Schmidt

Randy L. Schmidt is the author of the critically acclaimed "Little Girl Blue: The Life of Karen Carpenter," a New York Times Editor’s Choice and Wall Street Journal bestseller. He also compiled and edited "Yesterday Once More: The Carpenters Reader," "Judy Garland on Judy Garland: Interviews and Encounters," and "Dolly on Dolly: Interviews and Encounters with Dolly Parton." In addition to his work as an author, Schmidt is an emerging documentary filmmaker. His award-winning Karen Carpenter documentary premiered to widespread acclaim, earning honors at numerous film festivals before its debut on Amazon Prime Video. He is also the writer and producer of the three-part docuseries "Mysteries of Oz: 85 Questions Answered" and the recent documentary "Judy Garland: Property of MGM." A dedicated music educator, Schmidt has taught elementary music for nearly three decades.

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Director Statement

At its heart, “Friends of Dorothy” is my own story, told through three remarkable voices who, like me, grew up gay in a world where "The Wizard of Oz" wasn’t just a movie, but a lifeline. Each annual telecast felt like a secret invitation, a coded celebration of difference, courage, and hope. Through their memories and mine, this film explores how Oz helped shape our identities and how its magic still guides us home.