Irish language rap trio Kneecap's award-winning film gets US release date

"Kneecap," the semi-autobiographical Irish-language film by Belfast rap trio Kneecap, is set to make its US theatrical debut later this summer.

The film, which won the prestigious Audience Award: NEXT at the Sundance Film Festival in January, will open in US theaters on August 2, Sony Pictures Classics has confirmed. 

The film had the dual distinction of being the first Irish language film to be selected for Sundance, as well as the first non-US film to ever be selected for the festival’s NEXT section.

The day after the film's premiere at Sundance, Variety reported that "Kneecap" had been acquired by Sony Pictures Classics in the "first major sale" at this year's festival.

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all rights to the title for North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East, Variety said.

A synopsis for "Kneecap" says: "When fate brings Belfast schoolteacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed ‘low life scum’ Naoise and 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 play themselves, laying down a global rallying cry for the defense of native cultures."

The film stars Naoise Ó Cairealláin “Móglaí Bap," Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh “Mo Chara," JJ Ó Dochartaigh “Dj Provaí," Josie Walker, Fionnuala Flaherty, Jessica Reynolds, and Adam Best, with Simone Kirby and Michael Fassbender.

Announcing the film's US theatrical release date, Sony Pictures Classics has shared a new trailer for the buzzy film:

It has been a busy period for the popular rap trio Kneecap, who released their debut album "Fine Art" on Friday, June 14. 

The album is enjoying widespread critical acclaim, having received five stars from The Irish Times, NME, The Arts Desk, DIY Magazine, and Louder.