Irish language film Kneecap slated for global release after Sundance premiere

The first-ever Irish language to debut at Sundance Film Festival has been picked up for global distribution by Sony Pictures Classics.

Kneecap, a semi-autobiographical biopic of the West Belfast group, will be released in cinemas across North America and the world following the deal.

Starring Kneecap members Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Próvaí as themselves, alongside Hollywood heavy-weight Michael Fassbender, the film is set in West Belfast in 2019 and tells "the origin story of the riotous and ground-breaking" trio.

After its premiere at Sundance in Utah the film scored a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating from critics along with rave reviews.

The Hollywood Reporter have called it "gleefully irreverent", while Screen Daily describe the film as "destined for cult status, and just as ramshackle as any Blues Brothers or Spinal Tap was in its day."

Speaking to RTÉ, Kneecap producer Trevor Birney said: "That is just phenomenal, not only for Kneecap, which I am so happy for, but for Irish film and for the little community of producers in Belfast.

"We have had huge success with Game of Thrones and Derry Girls, but this is about indigenous film production, indigenous producers, indigenous crews, making independent film.

"I think this is a really break-out moment for Belfast, for the film community and I just want to pay tribute to them all and say our success is their success and I am delighted for everyone at home in Belfast.

"These guys are behind the films you have known and loved over the last 20 years. And that means that Kneecap the film is going to be seen in 200 cinemas in America this summer. They are going to roll Kneecap out across the world."

No release date has been announced as of yet by Sony Pictures Classic.

Kneecap will be released in Irish cinemas via Wildcard Distribution in 2024, with the band's debut album also due this year.