Kneecap, a new film inspired by the birth of ground breaking Irish-language rap group, completed shooting this month. The raucous anti-establishment comedy features the eponymous trio, who play heightened versions of their own lives against the backdrop of post-Troubles Belfast.
Described by the LA Times as “reminiscent of the early Eminem”, the band is gaining critical acclaim for their artful blend of Irish and English rap about the gritty reality of growing up in Northern Ireland.
“We’re buzzing to show people a side of Belfast that isn’t about guns, bombs and death. To give an insight into the youth culture that has been born out of that madness – we all needed a break from it and there’s revenge in our laughter. This is the North of Ireland and the importance of culture and community in the 21st Century.”
Kneecap
Written and directed by multi award-winning filmmaker Rich Peppiatt, Kneecap is produced by Jack Tarling at Mother Tongues Films and Trevor Birney of Fine Point Films, with Patrick O’Neill at Wildcard acting as co-producer. The UK-Ireland co-production is financed by BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, TG4 and Northern Ireland Screen, in association with Great Point Media and Curzon. Rich Peppiatt follows up his award-winning satirical documentary One Rogue Reporter, with his first live-action feature.
“For those who already know Kneecap as musicians, I promise this will be a film true to their hedonistic and anarchic soul. And for those who haven’t yet heard of Kneecap, well, buckle up…”
Writer / director Rich Peppiatt
French sales and co-production house Charades has boarded for world-wide sales, with Curzon and Wildcard distributing in the UK and in Ireland.
The film will be among the titles selected for this year’s Great 8, the annual Cannes buyers’ showcase of UK films from emerging directors.