The Irish comedy Kneecap will show in several African countries. The film won the Audience Award: NEXT at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival back in January. It was the first Irish-language film to premiere at the festival.
Written and directed by Rich Peppiatt, Kneecap is a semi-autobiographical story of the Northern Irish hiphop trio Kneecap. The film follows the group’s journey as they pioneer a blend of Irish punk rap, and also becoming leaders in a civil rights movement fighting to preserve their native language.
The film is Ireland’s submission to the Oscars’ international film category and has been acquired by distributor What the Hero Wants (WTHW) in a multi-territory deal. Already, it has screened in the US, UK, and Ireland, and earned over $4m at the box office. In December, the film will show in several countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana. A digital release is expected to follow.
Speaking about the film, WTHW co-CEO Aaryan K. Trivedi said, “Acquiring Kneecap for African territories, was an easy decision. It’s exactly the type of film we not only want to release but watch ourselves. It’s bold, fun, intelligent and with something to say, and we believe what it’s saying is something many African audiences want to hear.”
The deal grants WTHW rights for 40 African territories, including countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Sierra Leone.
