The 40th anniversary of Band Aid’s iconic charity single, "Do They Know It’s Christmas?", is being commemorated with a new short film that reflects on its enduring impact.

In celebration of 40 years since the release of the iconic charity single "Do They Know It’s Christmas?", a newly released short film dives deep into the origins and legacy of this remarkable humanitarian effort. The song, first recorded in 1984 by a stellar lineup of British and Irish artists, continues to stand as a symbol of unity and compassion in the face of global crises.

The short film, directed by Oliver Murray and narrated by renowned actor Jeremy Irons, provides an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the making of Band Aid. It revisits the story of how Bob Geldof and Midge Ure brought together some of the biggest musical talents of the era to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The original track featured a star-studded cast including Bono, George Michael, Boy George, Sting, Duran Duran, and Phil Collins, among others.

A Glimpse Into History

The film transports viewers back to 1984, with never-before-seen footage from the recording session at SARM Studios in Notting Hill, London. It captures the raw energy and unfiltered moments as artists collaborated to create a song that would raise millions for charity. These clips reveal the camaraderie and sense of urgency that drove the project, providing a fascinating insight into one of the music industry’s most significant moments.

Reflecting on the project, Bob Geldof remarked how the effort surpassed all expectations, turning a simple idea into a global movement. The documentary sheds light on the immediate impact the song had upon its release, as it topped charts worldwide and inspired similar initiatives across the globe.

A Legacy Rekindled

The anniversary film also highlights the subsequent versions of the song, including Band Aid 20 in 2004 and Band Aid 30 in 2014. Each new recording brought together a fresh generation of artists, ensuring the legacy of the original track continued to resonate. The message of compassion and collective action remains as powerful today as it was four decades ago.

To mark the milestone, a special 2024 Ultimate Mix of "Do They Know It’s Christmas?" has been released. This new version seamlessly combines vocals from all three iterations of the song, creating a cross-generational collaboration. The mix features original voices like Sting and Boy George alongside contemporary artists such as Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, and Harry Styles. The result is a poignant reminder of the song’s timeless message and its ability to bring people together for a common cause.

Continuing the Spirit of Band Aid

The short film doesn’t just celebrate the past; it also serves as a call to action for the future. The story of Band Aid reminds us of the power of music to inspire change and bring hope to those in need. By revisiting this pivotal moment in history, the film encourages viewers to reflect on their own capacity to make a difference.

The 40th-anniversary celebrations prove that the message behind "Do They Know It’s Christmas?" is more relevant than ever. As global challenges persist, the spirit of Band Aid remains a beacon of hope, urging humanity to come together in times of crisis.

A Song That Changed the World

As the world commemorates this milestone, the legacy of Band Aid continues to inspire. Through the voices of its artists, past and present, "Do They Know It’s Christmas?" has become more than just a song—it is a movement that changed lives and continues to remind us of the power of unity.