‘Kneecap,’ Hit Comedy Biopic About Irish Hip-Hop Trio, Heading to Cinemas Across Africa (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned cinema enthusiast who’s traveled the globe to immerse myself in diverse cinematic landscapes, I can confidently say that the acquisition of “Kneecap” by What The Hero Wants for multiple African territories is an exciting development in international film distribution. Having witnessed the power of cinema to bridge cultural divides and spark meaningful conversations, I am thrilled to see a film like “Kneecap,” with its bold, intelligent, and thought-provoking narrative, reaching audiences across the continent.


The lively Irish comedy biopic, ‘Kneecap,’ which caused quite a stir at Sundance earlier this year, is now bound for Africa. This film, Ireland’s entry for the Oscars’ international film category and often predicted as a potential nominee, has been obtained by global distributor What the Hero Wants (WTHW) in a multi-region deal.

Following strong performances at U.S., U.K., and Irish cinemas, amassing over $4 million globally, the film “Kneecap” is set to hit theaters in early December 2024 across various African countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana, with additional territories to be revealed. After this theatrical run, a digital release will follow.

Under the direction of writer-director Rich Peppiatt, the film titled “Kneecap” – acquired by Sony Pictures Classics at Sundance – presents a boisterous semi-autobiographical comedy. This movie revolves around the infamous and rowdy Northern Irish hip-hop trio with the same name. Based in Belfast, the story unfolds as the group pioneers a unique blend of Irish punk rap, seamlessly integrating Irish and English dialects for an electrifying soundtrack, eventually emerging as the unanticipated leaders of a civil rights campaign to preserve their native language. Despite constant clashes with authorities, paramilitary groups, and their own drug-fueled struggles, they persist in their quest. The band members themselves star in the film alongside co-star and Academy Award nominee Michael Fassbender.

According to WTHW, the movie’s theme of preserving indigenous languages and its anti-colonial standpoint are likely to strike a chord with viewers in Africa.

Reaching an agreement for ‘Kneecap’ distribution in African territories was a straightforward choice,” stated Aaryan K. Trivedi, co-CEO of WTHW, who collaborated with Hélène Espeisse on the deal. “This is precisely the kind of movie we are excited to distribute and watch ourselves. It’s daring, amusing, thought-provoking, and carries a message. We feel that this message resonates with many African viewers.

The agreement grants What The Hero Wants control over the rights for countries including Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa (Republic), Congo (Republic), Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

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2024-10-22 14:17