FINE ART
‘Leonardo Kneecaprio’ gush fans as Belfast band’s film announced as Ireland’s Oscar entry
The film's Director says 'it's an absolute privilege'
IRISH rap group Kneecap and their self entitled film have been chosen as Ireland's entry for Best International Feature at the Oscars.
The Belfast based Irish-language rap group is comprised of three artists, Mo Chara, Moglai Bap and DJ Provai.
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The Irish Film and Television Academy announced today, that award winning Irish film, Kneecap, is the IFTA's entry for Best International Feature at next year's Oscars.
Following in the footsteps of last year's hugely successful Irish-language film, An Chailain Chuin, which managed to secure a nomination, but ultimately lost to All Quiet On The Western Front.
The film has already been met with international acclaim, receiving the Next Audience Award at Sundance Film Festival where they caused quite the stir, but picked up Sony Picture Classics as it's distributor.
It also won three out of three awards it was eligible for at Galway Film Fleadh, picking up an Audience Award, Best Irish Language Feature Film and Best Irish Film.
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The Belfast rap trio will know their Hollywood fate when the Academy announce the shortlist for Best International Feature on Tuesday, December 17.
And the final five nominations for the award will be announced the following month on January 17.
The Academy Awards are due to take place on March 3, 2025.
The self entitled film, Kneecap, was written by all three members of the group and director Rich Peppiatt.
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It see's the trio all making their acting debuts as they portray themselves in a comedic re-telling of how their group came to be in 2019.
The film incorporates their music, the Irish language and Micheal Fassbender in what has quickly become a large hit both at home and overseas.
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IFTA Academy CEO Aine Moriarty called the movie "bold and fearless" for its "raw and boisterous screen performances".
The film releases in Irish theatres on August 8th.
Speaking on the IFTA's announcement the film's director and co-writer Rich Peppiatt said: "Since the start of the year when Kneecap premiered in Sundance, we've been humbled by the gra the film has received around the world.
"But nothing hits quite like the reception we've had at home in Ireland. To get the opportunity to represent our nation on the biggest film stage of them all is an absolute privilege."
INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS
He added: "Mile Buiochas to IFTA and everyone who's been part of and supported our wee film."
Mogali Bap one of the groups members added: "Obviously, the movie is about the Irish language in Ireland, about young people re-engaging with the language, and putting their own stamp on the language.
"One thing we've noticed in America is it resonates internationally. It's an international story and makes people reflect on their own culture and language, and to consider the relationship they have with their indigenous or native language."
He explained: "It comes at a time when people are looking for something with a bit more substance, a bit more intrinsic value.
"That's the beauty of this movie: we're meeting people from all walks of life and it's resonating, and they're leaving the movie feeling proud about their own identity."
Fans took to social media to congratulate the rap group on their achievements.
Brian wrote: "YASS. Cannae wait to see you lads rocking up to the Dolby Theatre to pick up your golden baldy."
Colly said: "Leonardo KneeCaprio."
Ursla joked: "I can imagine the shenanigans if their was a speech."
Leo added: "A gem of a film putting the Irish language to a global audience!"