kneecap: The Belfast Rap Trio’s Unapologetic Rise and the Future of Irish-Language Cinema
Hollywood may not have been ready to see Kneecap “walking down the red carpet smoking a joint,” but the makers of the comedy biopic about the Belfast hip-hop trio believe their film has paved the way for a “bright future” for Irish-language cinema and an indigenous film industry in Belfast.
The film, which shares its name with the riotous rap group, has become a cultural phenomenon, blending humor, controversy, and a powerful message about the Irish language and post-Troubles Belfast. Despite missing out on nominations at the 97th Oscars, the film has garnered meaningful attention, earning six BAFTA nominations and 17 nods at the IFTAs (Irish Film and Television Awards).
A Night of Mixed Emotions
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The producers, along with family and friends, gathered at Madden’s Bar in belfast to watch the Academy Awards nominations announcement. The band, currently recording a new album in London, joined via Zoom. Richard Peppiatt, the film’s director, reflected on the moment: “They didn’t get their big moment. I am not ecstatic, but we’ve achieved far beyond what we could have expected a year ago.”
peppiatt,a former Daily Star journalist,added,“It’s a controversial film,but we will go again,and next time we will get there. We have the BAFTAs and IFTAs to come. I think this is an amazing moment for the local, indigenous industry. Maybe Tom Hanks [and other Hollywood grandees] wasn’t ready for kneecap smoking a joint on the red carpet.”
A Film with a Message
Loosely based on the real lives of the west Belfast rap trio,Kneecap was shortlisted for Best International Feature and Best Original Song for Sick in the Head at the Oscars. Described by Variety as “one of the buzziest indie films of 2024,” the film tackles themes of Irish identity, colonization, and the struggles of young working-class people in a post-conflict city.
ainle Ó Cairealláin, brother of kneecap member Naoise (aka Móglaí Bap), emphasized the group’s unwavering commitment to their message: “The lads are carrying a strong message—it’s about the Irish language, colonization, and young people’s lives in a post-conflict era. They’ve also been very outspoken about Palestine, the occupation, and the genocide. I’m sure that ruffles a few feathers, but they are not going to compromise on that, and that is the right thing to do.”
Celebrating Irish Talent
The film’s success is a testament to the collaborative effort of the Irish film industry. Trevor birney, an investigative journalist and co-producer, highlighted the importance of funding from the Irish-language broadcast fund in Northern Ireland, Screen Ireland, and TG4, the Irish-language TV station. “It takes a village to make a film,” Birney said. “All of this showcases the talent that is here in Belfast.”
Birney also joked about a potential sequel, quipping that it would take “20 years” before it sees the light of day.
A Bright Future for Irish Cinema
Despite the Oscars snub, Kneecap has solidified its place as a groundbreaking film. Peppiatt summed it up: “We’ve still got the impetus, we’re still having fun, we don’t take it too seriously—we’re making films here, not curing cancer. Ultimately, all these accolades are just a nice little candle on the cake.”
The film’s success has not only brought attention to the Kneecap trio but also highlighted the potential for Irish-language cinema to thrive on the global stage.
| key Highlights of Kneecap |
|———————————|
| Director: Richard Peppiatt |
| Nominations: 6 BAFTAs, 17 IFTAs |
| Oscars Shortlist: Best International Feature, Best Original Song (Sick in the Head) |
| themes: Irish language, colonization, post-Troubles Belfast, pro-Palestinian advocacy |
| Funding Support: Irish-language broadcast fund, Screen Ireland, TG4 |
As Kneecap continues to make waves, it’s clear that the film is more than just a biopic—it’s a celebration of Irish culture, resilience, and the power of storytelling.
This article was amended on 24 January 2025 to correct Naoise Ó cairealláin’s stage name to Móglaí Bap, rather than DJ Próvaí, which belongs to a Kneecap colleague.
Kneecap: A Conversation on Irish-Language Cinema, Resilience, and the Rise of belfast’s Rap Trio
In this exclusive interview, senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Sarah O’Connor, sits down with Dr. Eoin Mac Aoidh, a cultural historian and expert on Irish-language cinema, to discuss the groundbreaking film Kneecap. The biopic, which chronicles the rise of the Belfast rap trio, has become a cultural phenomenon, blending humor, controversy, and a powerful message about irish identity and post-Troubles Belfast. Together, they explore the film’s impact, its themes, and what it means for the future of Irish-language cinema.
The Cultural Impact of Kneecap
Sarah O’Connor: Dr.Mac Aoidh,Kneecap has been described as more than just a biopic—it’s a festivity of Irish culture and resilience. What do you think makes this film so notable in the context of irish-language cinema?
Dr. Eoin Mac Aoidh: Absolutely, Sarah. Kneecap is a landmark film for several reasons. First, it’s unapologetically Irish, not just in language but in its themes and storytelling. It tackles issues like colonization, the struggles of young working-class people in post-conflict Belfast, and the revitalization of the Irish language. these are deeply resonant topics for Irish audiences, but they also have universal appeal. The film’s success—garnering six BAFTA nominations and 17 IFTAs—shows that Irish-language cinema can compete on the global stage.
Sarah O’Connor: The film has also been praised for its humor and irreverence.How do you think this approach has helped it connect with audiences?
Dr. Eoin Mac Aoidh: Humor is a powerful tool, especially when dealing with heavy subjects. Kneecap doesn’t shy away from controversy—it embraces it. The film’s irreverence, whether it’s the trio’s antics or their outspoken views on issues like Palestine, makes it authentic and relatable.It’s a reflection of the group’s real-life ethos: they’re not here to conform or compromise. This authenticity resonates with audiences,both in Ireland and abroad.
The Role of Funding and Collaboration
Sarah O’Connor: The film’s success has been attributed to the collaborative effort of the Irish film industry, with funding from Screen Ireland, TG4, and the Irish-language broadcast fund. How importent is this kind of support for indigenous cinema?
Dr. Eoin mac Aoidh: it’s absolutely crucial. As Trevor Birney, one of the film’s co-producers, said, “It takes a village to make a film.” Funding from organizations like Screen Ireland and TG4 provides the resources needed to tell these stories. But it’s not just about money—it’s about creating an ecosystem were Irish talent can thrive. Kneecap is a perfect example of what can happen when you invest in local talent and give them the freedom to tell their stories.
Sarah O’Connor: Do you think this model could be replicated for other Irish-language projects?
Dr. Eoin Mac Aoidh: Absolutely. Kneecap has shown that there’s an appetite for Irish-language cinema, both domestically and internationally. With the right support, we could see more films like this—films that celebrate irish culture, challenge conventions, and push boundaries. It’s an exciting time for Irish cinema, and I think we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.
The Future of irish-Language Cinema
Sarah O’connor: Despite missing out on Oscar nominations, Kneecap has been hailed as a groundbreaking film. What do you think its success means for the future of Irish-language cinema?
Dr. Eoin Mac Aoidh: the Oscars snub was disappointing, but it doesn’t diminish the film’s achievements. Kneecap has proven that Irish-language cinema can be bold, innovative, and commercially successful. It’s opened doors for other filmmakers to explore similar themes and push the boundaries of what Irish cinema can be.As Richard Peppiatt, the film’s director, said, “We’re making films here, not curing cancer.” But these films are important—they tell our stories, celebrate our culture, and inspire the next generation of filmmakers.
Sarah O’Connor: what do you hope audiences take away from kneecap?
Dr. Eoin Mac Aoidh: I hope audiences see Kneecap as more than just a film—it’s a movement. It’s about reclaiming our language, our culture, and our identity. It’s about resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling. And most importantly,it’s a reminder that Irish-language cinema has a bright future,both at home and on the global stage.
Conclusion
As Kneecap continues to make waves, it’s clear that the film is more than just a biopic—it’s a celebration of irish culture, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Through its humor, controversy, and unapologetic message, the film has not only brought attention to the Kneecap trio but also highlighted the potential for Irish-language cinema to thrive on the global stage. With the support of organizations like Screen Ireland and TG4, the future of Irish cinema looks brighter than ever.
