The new Sony Pictures Classic drama “Kneecap” chronicles the creation of the popular Belfast-based hip-hop trio, comprised of Liam Óg “Mo Chara” Ó Hannaidh, Naoise “Móglaí Bap” Ó Cairealláin, and JJ “DJ Próvaí” Ó Dochartaigh. The three will play themselves inside a comedic version of their story, written and directed by Rich Peppiatt.
SPC acquired distribution rights for its release in North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East after its January premiere at the Sundance Film Festival (read our review). The film received rave reviews from critics and won the NEXT Audience Award at the festival’s awards ceremony. It has also screened at the SXSW festival and is set for a Tribeca debut this summer.
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The movie will also star Josie Walker, Fionnuala Flaherty, Jessica Reynolds, Adam Best, Simone Kirby, and Michael Fassbender, with the latter playing Ó Cairealláin’s father, Arlo. Per an official press release for the movie, here is the plot synopsis:
When fate brings Belfast schoolteacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed ‘low life scum’ Naoise & Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish language, KNEECAP fast become the unlikely figureheads of a Civil Rights movement to save their mother tongue. But the trio must first overcome police, paramilitaries & politicians trying to silence their defiant sound – whilst their anarchic approach to life often makes them their own worst enemies. In this fiercely original sex, drugs, and hip-hop biopic, KNEECAP plays themselves, laying down a global rallying cry for the defense of native cultures.”
Produced by Jack Tarling and Trevor Birney, “Kneecap” will be released exclusively in theatres on August 2. Watch the trailer below:
