Kneecap

Watch trailer

A country without a language is half a nation. In Kneecap, Ireland's entry for the Academy Awards, rap gives young people a reason to learn Irish.

Kneecap blends anarchic storytelling with humor and cultural critique, depicting the chaotic rise of the Irish-language rap group of the same name. Through flashbacks and theatrical flourishes, the film tells the story of Liam (Mo Chara) and Naoise (Móglaí Bap), two rebels from West Belfast raised to believe that speaking Irish is an act of defiance. With the help of music teacher JJ Ó Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí), the trio channels their frustration into politically charged and incendiary hip-hop.

The film features rough humor and intense drug use but also explores themes of culture and belonging. We follow the band on their wild journey to fame while gaining insight into the fraught relationship between language and identity in Northern Ireland. Highlights include vibrant musical sequences and a consistently irreverent tone. Kneecap is a raw and compelling tribute to resistance, cultural pride, and the political power of music.

Director

Rich Peppiatt is an English writer and director. His debut narrative feature, Kneecap, had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. It was the first ever Irish language movie to play at the festival, going on to win the NEXT Audience Award.

Filmography

2019 Backseat Driver (short)
2019 Grounded (short)
2014 One Rogue Reporter

Min Festival

Bookmark

Add to favourites

Visninger

Tuesday 14. january

Kl 19:45
Intro (TIFF UNG)
Fokus 5

Wednesday 15. january

Kl 21:00
Fokus 1

Thursday 16. january

Kl 13:15
Fokus 2 (Bonordsalen)

Friday 17. january

Kl 22:00
Fokus 1

Saturday 18. january

Kl 09:00
48h
TIFF Digital

Info

My Festival

Log in or register a new user to save your favourites.

My Festival