Lynch/Oz documentary examines the influence The Wizard of Oz has had on David Lynch

Despite reports to the contrary, filmmaker David Lynch has said that he does not have a new movie screening at the Cannes Film Festival this year. Sales agent Dogwoof will be presenting a Lynch-related film to potential distributors during the festival, though. That film is director Alexandre O. Philippe’s feature documentary Lynch/Oz, which explores “the enduring influence of Victor Fleming’s 1939 film The Wizard of Oz on David Lynch’s cinema.” While rights to Lynch/Oz will be up for grabs at Cannes next month, the film itself won’t be screening until the Tribeca Festival in June.

As Variety notes, this is the third collaboration between Dogwoof and Philippe, Kerry Deignan Roy, and Robert Muratore’s Exhibit A Pictures. The previous two were the documentaries 78/52, which dug deep into the shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, and Memory: The Origins of Alien.

For Lynch/Oz, Philippe invited

six American film critics and filmmakers and has given them free reign to explore their own theory about the relationship between Lynch and Oz. Participants include Karyn Kusama, John Waters, and Amy Nicholson and the result is six fresh perspectives and six new ways to consider how influence and inspiration affect the creative process.

Philippe had this to say about the project, and teaming up with Dogwoof again:

Kerry, Robert and I are thrilled to partner, once again, with our trusted friends at Dogwoof – this time, on a title very near and dear to my heart. More than a love letter to my favorite living filmmaker, Lynch/Oz explores the mysteries of influence and inspiration on the creative process, and the inexplicable obsessions that drive artists and filmmakers to keep chasing the same images, themes, and motifs for their entire lives. As Scarecrow might say, this one is guaranteed to melt brains.”

Dogwoof’s Oli Harbottle added:

After two very happy and successful collaborations, it’s great to be working with Alexandre again as he unpicks yet another slice of iconic cinema. What could be more alluring than an attempt to find a common theme to understand the cult film enigma that is David Lynch – cinephiles have a real treat in store.”

Does Lynch/Oz sound like an interesting documentary to you? Share your thoughts on this one by leaving a comment below.