DOCUFILM PER U2

U2 have tapped 11 urban artists to create a collection of new short films to accompany their latest album, Songs of Innocence. The aptly named Films of Innocence sees release on December 9th and is available to pre-order now on iTunes.

A 40-second trailer for Films of Innocence is also available to watch on iTunes as well. The clip offers a quick peek at all 11 videos, which comprise an eclectic mix of animation styles — from pop-art to surreal psychedelia — and live-action, cinematic grandeur (the two wolves barreling down an alleyway in slow motion is especially arresting).

Films of Innocence was directed by Jefferson Hack, and features contributions from Oliver Jeffers, Robin Rhode, D*Face, Mode 2, Chloe Early, Ganzeer, Vhils, Maser, ROA, DALeast and Todd James. Working only with U2’s music in mind, the artists were given complete creative control to explore their personal reactions to the songs. As the iTunes description teases, “Their works scale the globe, play with time and weave between heightened reality and animated dreamscapes.”

U2 released Songs of Innocence for free to anyone with an iTunes account in September, though at the time they made no mention of a video component. The band has been promoting the new album (which saw a physical release in October) and planning an upcoming tour.

Part of their promotional itinerary included a residency at The Tonight Show this week, but the band was forced to cancel after Bono injured his arm in a cycling accident. “We’re sure he’ll make a full recovery soon, so we’ll be back!” the band wrote on its website. “Much thanks to Jimmy Fallon and everyone at the show for their understanding.”