Jonathan Glazer, Academy Award-winning director of "The Zone of Interest", will debut his new short film "Joy of Joys" at the New York Film Festival this month, with the UK premiere to follow at the BFI London Film Festival in October.
The film documents the making of "HELP(2)," the Mercury Prize-shortlisted charity album from War Child Records that has raised over £1 million for War Child UK since its release six months ago. Filmed over three days at Abbey Road Studios, "Joy of Joys" interweaves footage from the recording sessions with footage of children living in conflict zones across Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Yemen.
The film's concept, devised by Glazer and composer Mica Levi, was built on a simple principle: "By Children, For Children." Cameras were placed directly in the hands of children, allowing the film to be seen through their eyes. Over 200 participants took part, including 80 children from London, Yemen, Sudan, and Gaza.
"Joy of Joys" is an Academy Films production, produced by Medb Riordan and Steve Overs, with executive producers Simon Cooper, Scott Wright, James Wilson, Emma Greengrass, Ian McAndrew, and Rich Clarke.
Rich Clarke, Executive Head of Music at War Child UK, said the premiere marks an extraordinary milestone for the project: "To have this film's UK premiere at BFI London Film Festival and to have already raised £1 million is both an extraordinary achievement, and a testament to what can happen when communities across music and creative industries come together behind a shared cause."
Alongside the film announcement, Black Country, New Road's track "Strangers", taken from "HELP(2)", has been named the album's next focus single. The band will perform a special show at the London Coliseum with André de Ridder and the Orchestra of English National Opera ahead of a US and China tour.
"HELP(2)" united over 30 artists including Arctic Monkeys, Olivia Rodrigo, Oasis, Beth Gibbons, Depeche Mode, Big Thief, Fontaines D.C., Pulp, Wet Leg, Beabadoobee, Sampha, and Arooj Aftab, among many others. The album's bonus track features Oasis performing "Acquiesce" live from Wembley Stadium on September 28, 2025.
All proceeds from "HELP(2)" support War Child UK's work providing mental health services, education, protection, and emergency support to children affected by armed conflict across 30 countries worldwide. Right now, an estimated 520 million children globally are living in conflict-affected areas.
"HELP(2)" is available to stream and purchase now.
"Joy of Joys" will screen at the New York Film Festival (Spotlight section) and the BFI London Film Festival in October.
Let us know your thoughts on both "Joy of Joys" and "HELP(2)" in the comments!
