The Wizard of Oz

Judy Garland shines as Dorothy Gale, a young girl who dreams of a life beyond the gray limits of her dusty Kansas farm. When a tornado sweeps her and her little dog Toto away, she finds herself in the dazzling, colorful land of Oz. There, she earns the wrath of the Wicked Witch of the West — but also gains new friends: a Scarecrow without a brain, a Tin Man without a heart, and a Cowardly Lion without courage. Together, they follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City, hoping that the mysterious Wizard of Oz can help them all.

The Wizard of Oz…a “stinkeroo” that displays no trace of good taste, imagination, or ingenuity. — The New York Times, 1939

Although the film was not an immediate success upon its release and barely recovered its high production costs, The Wizard of Oz grew over time — through re-releases and annual television broadcasts — into a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. It turned Judy Garland into a star, introduced audiences to the magic of Technicolor, and gave the world one of the most beloved songs ever written: “Over the Rainbow.” Moreover, The Wizard of Oz marked a turning point in the history of the movie musical. Without Oz, there might never have been Singin’ in the Rain, The Sound of Music, La La Land, or even the wildly popular Wicked stage musical and its upcoming film adaptation.

With its blend of fantasy, emotion, and groundbreaking filmcraft, The Wizard of Oz remains a milestone in cinema history — a story about friendship, courage, and the simple truth that there’s truly “no place like home.”

Cinema Unfiltered is a monthly film night at Concordia, specially curated for young film lovers who want more than the standard movie experience. It’s the place to discover cult classics, hidden gems, and arthouse films—together with fellow cinephiles. Each edition features an accompanying program: introductions, quizzes, dress-up themes, or drinks. Accessible, engaging, and inspiring for every film enthusiast.