Rich Peppiatt wrote and directed his first narrative feature film Kneecap, about the rise of the Belfast-based hip-hop group Kneecap.
A true-life fable about man’s intrinsic urge for identity, the allure of drugs and a passion for life, KNEECAP is a thrilling ride pulsating with hip-hop beats.
Kneecap will be in select Australian cinemas on 29 August.
This interview is audio only. For other video interviews check out our youtube playlist.
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Summary
A Fascinating Journey: The Rise of “Kneecap”
Rich Pabiat has made a mark in the film industry with his debut narrative feature, Kneecap, a true-life fable about the rise of the Belfast-based hip hop group of the same name. The film intricately showcases man’s intrinsic urge for identity, the allure of drugs, and a passion for life. Premiering in Australian cinemas on August 29th, Kneecap promises a thrilling ride pulsating with hip hop beats. We had the pleasure of diving into the making of the film with Rich himself on the FOIA Reference Podcast.
From Sundance to Cinematic Fame
The Early Success
Kneecap has been on a whirlwind journey, debuting at several film festivals and winning the much-coveted Sundance Film Festival Audience Award in January. Rich recounts:
“It feels like a long time ago now, January. Um, and there’s been, you know, it’s been kind of like the next eight months feels like it’s been like revving the engine with a handbrake on, uh, trying to get up to the release. And, uh, I’m really glad we’re finally here and, you know, audiences are now finally getting to start to see the film.”
The Film’s Global Impact
Rich expressed his disappointment about not being able to make it to Australia for screenings but is thrilled that the band will be touring there next year, saying:
“You’ll get them. They’re more fun than me anyway, so it’s okay.”
Various representatives of Irish culture have flocked to Sydney and Melbourne festivals, packed with Irish communities, echoing the film’s resonance and cultural significance.
Language, Identity, and Cultural Significance
The Importance of Language
In the podcast, Rich emphasized how central the Irish language was to the project, stating:
“…it was a focus on the Irish language and its place within Irish society and, you know, the need to protect it as an indigenous language because with it is a culture and a history that felt like it was being lost.”
He further elaborated on how the project has gained a global perspective, connecting with audiences worldwide who share similar cultural and linguistic concerns. This universal connection has led many to reflect on their indigenous cultures and languages, finding inspiration to learn and preserve them.
Cultural Impact Through Music
KT, the host, highlighted a key element in Kneecap‘s music, noting:
“…the use of language and the importance of culture. I think for a lot of us around the world, we are bonded by, I guess, who we are and who we have been outside of colonization.”
Rich added that the grassroots underground movement they discovered in Belfast was a foundational element for the film:
“To have walked into one of their gigs and discovered this kind of grassroots underground movement of young people who were speaking Irish was…kind of the first stepping stone towards a film…”
Visual Language and Filmmaking Process
Visual Inspirations
Rich confessed his admiration for the film Amelie, revealing that his youngest daughter was named after the title character. He praised the film’s bold color palette and unique editing choices:
“It was so bold in its kind of colour palette. It’s so bold in its editing choices…”
He aspired to bring the same level of boldness and risk-taking to Kneecap:
“I’m going to get my shot at making my first narrative feature. I’m going to do it exactly as I want to do it. And that’s going to be bold, that’s going to be out there. And I don’t even care, really, if it falls flat on its arse.”
Principles Over Popularity
Rich noted that the band behind Kneecap was committed to standing by their principles, often forgoing opportunities to maintain their integrity, from dropping out of South by Southwest to advocating for the Palestinian cause on public platforms.
The Future and Recommendations
Rich Pabiat’s dedication to presenting an unfiltered and authentic narrative in Kneecap makes it a standout film of the year. When asked what movie he would pair with Kneecap for a double feature, Rich recommended Hunger, directed by Steve McQueen and starring Michael Fassbender.
The interview closed with a sentiment of mutual respect and celebration of cultural preservation, echoing through the words of Kneecap and their shared experiences.
“Gramor, we say that’s the gramor is big love. That means in Irish.”
Interview with “Kneecap” Writer/Director, Rich Peppiatt provides a profound look into a story that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, making it a must-watch for any cinephile.