Kneecap, the Irish language film, has broken records at the box office in Ireland with its opening weekend success. The movie, set in West Belfast in 2019, follows the journey of hip-hop trio Kneecap and has received critical acclaim.
Opening at number three in the Irish box office, Kneecap had the widest ever release for an Irish film, showing in 109 screens across the country. With an opening weekend earning approximately €292k, the film surpassed big-budget US titles like Trap and Borderlands.
The success of Kneecap marks the biggest weekend opening for an Irish film at the Irish box office, including previews, since The Banshees of Inisherin. Audiences have been raving about the film, leading cinemas to expect continued strong performance.
The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) has chosen Kneecap to represent Ireland in the Oscar International Feature Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards. Written and directed by Rich Peppiatt, the film stars members of Kneecap alongside actors like Michael Fassbender and Simone Kirby.
The story follows Belfast schoolteacher JJ collaborating with Naoise and Liam Óg to create Irish punk rap, blending Irish and English with powerful energy. The film’s unique approach to rap as a cultural force rooted in community has resonated with audiences.
Produced by Fine Point Films and Mother Tongues Films, Kneecap received funding from various organizations and will be released in the UK by Curzon. After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival and winning awards, the film continues to make waves in the film industry.
Overall, Kneecap’s success not only highlights the talent of Irish filmmakers but also showcases the power of storytelling in different languages and cultural contexts. The film’s unique blend of music, language, and community spirit has struck a chord with audiences, paving the way for more diverse and inclusive storytelling in the future.