Joy of Joys

A quiet, moving look at children's creativity shining against the backdrop of adult conflict.

Directed by

Jonathan Glazer

Genres

Documentary, Music

Starring

Olivia Rodrigo, Graham Coxon, Jarvis Cocker

Overview

This documentary goes behind the scenes at Abbey Road Studios to capture the recording of the Mercury Prize–nominated HELP(2), a 2026 charity album from War Child Records, which aids children in conflict zones around the world. To make the film, Glazer enlisted some crucial help: young schoolkids from London were equipped with their own digital cameras and encouraged to shoot the studio recordings any way they wanted. Their curiosity and creativity are paralleled in footage taken by high-spirited children in war-torn parts of the globe—Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen—whom Glazer also supplied with cameras. The resulting film, which Glazer and regular music collaborator Mica Levi have dubbed “by children, for children,” serves as a testament to youthful openness and wonder amidst the evils of the adult world.

How it feels

Measured and needs your attention.

About

War, art, music, healing

Content

Mild violence. No gore, sexual content or swearing.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)