Kneecap filmmakers form production company Coup d’état Films

The director and producer of Kneecap, the predominantly Irish-language comedy about the eponymous rap group that met major success in Sundance, are set to launch their own production company.

Founded by director Rich Peppiatt and producer Trevor Birney, Coup d’état Films is set to be based in Belfast, and will focus primarily on original scripted content. Both founders are already developing domestic and international projects under the new banner.

“Trevor and I are kindred spirits when it comes to anarchic, provocative filmmaking,” Peppiatt told Variety. “We believe there’s an irreplaceable power in the collective experience of cinema.

“And we believe in the North of Ireland — and its talent and crew — as a world class production base. We see what friends like Element Pictures have done in the South of Ireland and see no reason that success can’t be emulated here.”

After a serious global rampage, tomorrow KNEECAP arrives at the @GalwayFilm for it's Irish Premiere.

We’re very thankful to all of our partners and collaborators on this film and to all our incredible cast and crew.@KNEECAPCEOL Abú 💚 #kneecapmovie #filmfleadh pic.twitter.com/gyLiYbtUXU

— Fine Point Films (@FPF_Docs) July 8, 2024

Peppiatt and Birney announced the launch on the first day of the Galway Film Fleadh, where Kneecap is getting its Irish premiere as the opener.

“Rich is a creative powerhouse,” Birney added, “and our collective production experience offers something special – the setting up of Coup d’état was a natural evolution of that partnership.

“Marrying together creative talent with the commercial realities of a film like Kneecap requires a level of ingenuity, never mind sheer hard work. I think we’ve been able to prove that we can do it. The potential as we move forward with the new venture is a really exciting proposition.”

Following its Irish release, the film will be shown in UK cinemas from August 23. Kneecap is also set to be released in North America, after being acquired by Sony Pictures Classics.

It is also rumoured to become Ireland’s Oscars submission for the international feature category later this year.