The Joybubbles of Connecting

A new documentary explores the life of Joe Engressia who used his unique whistling ability to find new ways to hack the telephone system. But to Joe it was about so much more than early phone phreaking with that magic tone (2600 Hz if you hadn’t guessed). Being born blind it was a comfort and exciting gateway to new connections and opportunities in the outside world. Growing from his pioneering phreaking (inspiring some names along the way like Steve Wozniak and John “Captain Crunch” Draper who appear in the film) he eventually took the name Joybubbles and continued to seek connection and spread joy to others in creative and eccentric ways.

Watch the promotional trailer:

A labour of love for over ten years supported by Kickstarter crowdfunding the film by Rachael Morrison is premiering at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival this week! Screenings at the festival’s documentary competition are underway and there is also online viewings if you are so inclined (U.S. only). Check it out on the festival site for tickets and info.

This fascinating character’s life and early contributions rooted in the original hacker spirit we can of course trace to some of our own hacking heroes so big congrats to the film on reaching this milestone!