Sean Ono Lennon, son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, has taken on the challenge of keeping his parents’ artistic legacies alive and relevant for younger generations. Three years ago, he was tasked with developing a music video for the 50th anniversary of his parents’ iconic protest song, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).” However, Lennon decided to take a different approach and created a narrative film inspired by the song.
The resulting film, “War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko,” directed by Dave Mullins, has been nominated for an Academy Award for best animated short film. The 11-minute picture is set in a World War I-like battle zone where two soldiers engage in a secret chess game, communicating through a homing pigeon amidst the chaos of war.
Lennon’s goal with the film was to expand the message of peace and love that his parents championed, ensuring that it resonates with new generations. He emphasized the importance of not letting his parents’ work fade away with time, especially in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
The film was a collaborative effort with notable figures such as Thomas Newman, the Oscar-nominated composer, and Peter Jackson, who provided advice on the project. Jackson’s visual effects company, Weta FX, handled the animation for the film, which was created using Unreal Engine and performance capture techniques.
Despite the film’s war setting, Lennon aimed to make the story universal and timeless, focusing on the message of peace rather than specific conflicts. The film features soldiers of diverse backgrounds, symbolizing all of humanity coming together in the face of war.
For Lennon, “War Is Over” is a way to honor his parents’ legacies and continue their tradition of using art to promote peace and love. As he navigates managing his parents’ artistic estates, Lennon remains grateful for the opportunity to explore new and innovative projects that pay tribute to their iconic work.
