DIRECTOR: Rich Peppiatt STARRING: Mo Chara, Moglai Bap, DJ Provai RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 45 minutes LANGUAGE: Irish, English
When fate brings Belfast teacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed "low life scum" Naoise and Liam, the needle drops on a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their mother tongue.
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The film, written and directed by Rich Peppiatt, stars the members of the West Belfast rap trio Kneecap, Móglai Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Provaí alongside an ensemble cast including Oscar nominee Michael Fassbender, Simone Kirby, Josie Walker, Fionnuala Flaherty, Jessica Reynolds and Adam Best. The film made history earlier this year as the first Irish-language film to world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Kneecap was selected by IFTA’s 2024 Selection Committee, which includes nominated actor Stephen Rea; award-winning directors Colm Bairéad and Lisa Mulcahy; award-winning actors Liam Cunningham and Bríd Ní Neachtain; and award-winning producer Rebecca O’Flanagan.
Kneecapwas produced by Trevor Birney and Jack Tarling for Fine Point Films and Mother Tongues Films, with Patrick O’Neill at Wildcard acting as Co-Producer.
Kneecap is a dark comedy, shot primarily in Belfast.
To check out all previous submissions for Ireland, click HERE.
“Every word of Irish spoken is a bullet fired for Irish freedom.”
Kneecap stands out as an energetic and heartfelt origin story, blending authenticity with a strong political edge. The choice to depict real-life band members playing themselves adds a genuine layer to the narrative, making their rise from local obscurity to fame all the more compelling.
The film kicks off by immersing us in the gritty realities of two young men, Naoise and Liam. Naoise’s father is an IRA militant who is suddenly forced to disappear from his son’s life, leaving his family in disarray. Liam’s family is never brought up. Liam and Naoise navigate a rough path, dealing with the perils of drug use, local conflicts, and run-ins with the police. Their lives take a pivotal turn however when they encounter a local music teacher, DJ Provai, who stumbles upon their book of Irish hip-hop lyrics.
Recognizing the raw potential in their work, DJ Provai persuades them to collaborate, using his skills to create beats that complement their lyrics. As the trio works together in the studio, the influence of stimulants brings a frenetic energy to their music, leading to the creation of some electrifying tracks. Their band Kneecap has thus been formed. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of the band's journey from local troublemakers to rising stars, setting the stage for their transformative experience in the music world.
The film's focus on the significance of preserving the Irish language as an act of cultural resistance is both timely and relevant. By merging humor with poignant moments, Kneecap manages to address serious issues without losing its irreverent charm. This balance makes the film not only a celebration of music and friendship but also a meaningful commentary on the complexities of Northern Irish identity in the post-conflict era.
Liam names the group Kneecap after the infamous punitive torture technique common in Northern Ireland during the late 1960s to 1998. Their name underscores the group's connection to the region's turbulent history and their own rebellious spirit. It hints at the idea that personal and collective identities are not fully realized until they are acknowledged and validated by others or by oneself. Stories are built from language. Nations are built from stories. And this is their story.