Galway Film Fleadh announces the Irish Premiere of KNEECAP as the Opening Night feature film and Palestine as Country of Focus for the 36th edition of the film festival taking place from July 9th - 14th in the Town Hall Theatre and Pálás Cinema.
Based on the origin story of the Irish-language rap trio KNEECAP, the film stars the band’s Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí in their acting debuts alongside Academy Award nominated Michael Fassbender. Set in West Belfast in 2019, it chronicles how fate brings the trio together and how they then go on to “change the sound of Irish music forever”.
Speaking about the Irish premiere, KNEECAP said:
"We're honoured that KNEECAP has been selected to open Ireland's leading film festival. Sundance was something else, but nothing beats the West of Ireland.”
“We're buzzin' mostly for the first Irish audience to see the film and get all the little references that sailed over the yanks heads! And for an Irish language film to have, no doubt, plenty of speakers in the room.”
“As excited as we are for the screening, we cannot take our minds away from Gaza where this very moment a genocide is being committed that's supported by the same western states that pretend to care about human rights. And just 60 miles from Galway, the free state government allows war planes land and troops move through our island.”
“Well done to Galway Film Fleadh for choosing Palestine as their country of focus. We had one stipulation as the film got distributed around the world and that was that it was not sold or screened in Israel. Enjoy KNEECAP - Free Palestine!"
The Galway Film Fleadh will present Palestine as the Country of Focus with a programme of narrative and documentary films that will showcase both the work of film artists and stories from Palestine. These films will provoke discussion featuring stories about the land, breaches of international law and the targeting of civilians.
Director of Programming, Maeve McGrath added:
“Opening the 36th Galway Film Fleadh with an Irish language film signifies the Fleadh’s commitment to Irish language programming and showcasing Irish film. We are thrilled to have the Irish premiere of KNEECAP at the Fleadh, a vibrant and energetic film that will have the audience dancing in the aisles.”
“Announcing Palestine as our Country of Focus underlines the commitment of the Fleadh as a platform for international cultural cinema in Ireland. We will showcase the work of film artists who bring the stories of Palestine to the screen. In screening films made in, and about Palestine, we provide a space to bring these stories to a larger audience and show support and solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
Full programme details will be announced on Tuesday June 25th with hundreds of events including screenings, Q&As and filmmaker interviews, panel discussions, and more.
To book early release tickets for KNEECAP, go to galwayfilmfleadh.com or contact Town Hall Theatre box office on 091 569777.
Early release tickets for KNEECAP are capped, and additional tickets will be made available on the launch night. Tickets for the Country of Focus programme will be available in June.
The Galway Film Fleadh is supported by the Arts Council, Failte Ireland, Screen Ireland and Galway City Council.
