WATCH - Trailer for KNEECAP, in cinemas 8 August

Based on the origin story of the riotous and ground-breaking Irish-language rap trio of the same name, KNEECAP will open in cinemas across Ireland on Thursday, August 8. The film – written and directed by Rich Peppiatt – will be the biggest release ever for an Irish film on the island of Ireland, and is set to play in over 100 cinemas nationwide.

Set in west Belfast in 2019, the film chronicles how fate brings the trio together – and how they then go on to “change the sound of Irish music forever”.

KNEECAP stars the band’s Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí in their acting debuts, alongside Academy Award-nominated Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs, 12 Years a Slave), Simone Kirby (Hidden Assets, Jimmy’s Hall), Jessica Reynolds (Outlander), Fionnuala Flaherty (Ros na Rún) and Josie Walker (Belfast, The Wonder).

Since its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah earlier this year – where it won an Audience Award, and was the first ever Irish language film to premiere at the prestigious festival – KNEECAP has screened at numerous other festivals across the globe, to rave reviews.

The film had its Irish premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh earlier this month, picking up a hat-trick of awards for Best Irish Film, Best Irish Language Film and the Audience Award – something that’s never been done in the history of the festival.

KNEECAP follows the release of the trio's lauded debut album, Fine Art, last month. The Toddla T-produced LP  – which featured contributions from Lankum's Radie Peat, Grian Chatten of Fontaines D.C., and Jelani Blackman – was named Hot Press's Album of the Month.

KNEECAP is released in cinemas in Ireland on August 8.

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