Belfast rap trio KNEECAP's big screen debut film has been selected for the 'Great 8' showcase at Cannes.
Kneecap, a new anti-establishment comedy film inspired by the birth of the Irish-language rap group, completed shooting this month and 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 Belfast.
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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.
KNEECAP said: "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."
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.
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.
Writer/director Rich Peppiatt said: “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…”
Producer Trevor Birney, Fine Point Films added: “I’ve been fascinated by Kneecap and the anarchic approach they take to life.
"The band may cause controversy but their antics belie an intelligence that is beyond their years and an amazing ability to lyrically convey what life is like for young people growing up in post-Troubles Belfast.”
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