The acclaimed animated short film, ‘WAR IS OVER!’, which recently won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2024, made its highly anticipated YouTube premiere on December 1st.
This powerful short, co-written by Sean Ono Lennon and Dave Mullins, is more than just a piece of cinematic art; it’s an invitation to take action for children affected by armed conflicts through the charity organization WAR CHILD.
A Timeless Story of Peace
Set in an alternate World War I reality where a senseless war rages on, ‘WAR IS OVER!’ tells the story of two soldiers on opposite sides of the conflict who communicate through a game of chess. A heroic carrier pigeon delivers their moves across the battlefield. The film culminates with the climatic final move, underscoring the harsh truth: there are no winners in war.
The film gains even greater significance by featuring John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s iconic anti-war holiday anthem, ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’.
Sean Ono Lennon expressed his delight at the Oscar win and the opportunity to share the film, spreading his parents’ timeless message: «War is over if you want it.»
Action for Children Affected by War
Coinciding with the YouTube premiere, the team behind the film is raising donations for WAR CHILD throughout the holiday season.
Helen Pattinson, CEO of War Child UK, extended her deep gratitude: «I want to thank Sean Ono Lennon, Yoko Ono, Dave Mullins, Brad Booker, Thomas Newman, The John Lennon Estate and all the brilliant people who have come together to create this powerful film. It is an incredibly moving piece of art that shines a light on the tragic consequences of war, which remain all too real in the world today.»
In places like Gaza, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, families are struggling against cold, hunger, and displacement. Every donation is crucial for WAR CHILD to deliver lifesaving support, from safe spaces and specialist psychological care to emergency support for essentials like heating fuel and food.
«This winter, it is not the thought that counts, but action,» states Pattinson.
