Jonathan Glazer’s Joy Of Joys to Receive UK Premiere at BFI London Film Festival
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jonathan Glazer’s new short documentary Joy Of Joys is set to receive its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October.
The film, created during the recording of War Child Records’ Mercury Prize-shortlisted HELP(2) album, will also have its world premiere later this month at the New York Film Festival, where it has been selected for the Spotlight section.
Filmed over three days at Abbey Road Studios, Joy Of Joys documents the making of HELP(2) while incorporating footage shot by children living in warzones in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Yemen.
Released six months ago, HELP(2) has received widespread critical acclaim and has already raised more than £1 million for War Child UK. The money is supporting the charity’s work providing specialist mental health services, education, protection and practical support to children whose lives have been devastated by conflict.
The film grew from a simple concept developed by Glazer and musician Mica Levi: “By Children, For Children.” Cameras were placed directly into the hands of children, allowing them to document the world from their own perspective while keeping the experiences of children affected by war at the centre of the project.
More than 200 participants from London, Yemen, Sudan and Gaza — including 80 children — came together to create the film. The result captures a sense of childhood innocence and joy against the backdrop of the realities faced by children living through conflict.
Joy Of Joys is an Academy Films production, devised by Mica Levi and Jonathan Glazer and produced by Medb Riordan and Steve Overs. Executive producers are 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 film had successfully captured the spirit of the album.
“Jonathan Glazer and the Academy team have brought the spirit of HELP(2) to life in this incredibly moving film, with children at the centre of the project.”
Clarke added that the film and album demonstrate the impact that collaboration between the music and creative industries can have, noting that one in five children worldwide are currently affected by conflict.
Black Country, New Road’s “Strangers” becomes focus track
Alongside the film announcement, Black Country, New Road’s “Strangers” has been unveiled as the next focus track from HELP(2). Listen Here
The band recorded the song at Abbey Road Studios as part of the project and will perform a special show at the London Coliseum with André de Ridder and the Orchestra of English National Opera before embarking on dates across the US and China.
The band said they were “very proud” to have contributed to the project and described War Child’s work as an “extremely vital cause”.
HELP(2) brings together an unusually broad collection of artists from across the alternative, indie, electronic and experimental music worlds. Contributors include Arctic Monkeys, Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten, Kae Tempest, Beth Gibbons, Beck, King Krule, Depeche Mode, Fontaines D.C., Pulp, Sampha, Wet Leg, Foals, Young Fathers, Olivia Rodrigo and Oasis.
The album’s 23-track edition features new recordings alongside a live bonus track of Oasis performing “Acquiesce” at Wembley Stadium in September 2025.
With Joy Of Joys now heading to both the New York and London film festivals, the project continues to extend the reach of HELP(2) beyond music — using film and the perspectives of children themselves to highlight the human cost of war.
Black Country, New Road - Photo by Phoebe Fox