Kneecap director rich peppiatt reflects on bafta win as a ‘Huge Privilege’
The bafta-winning writer and director of Kneecap has described working on the film as a “huge privilege”.
On Sunday, Rich Peppiatt secured the Bafta for outstanding debut for his work on the 2024 film, which tells the story of the west Belfast rap group Kneecap. Despite being nominated in five other categories, including Film Not in the English Language, the Irish-language production missed out on further wins.
Speaking after the awards ceremony, Peppiatt expressed his gratitude, stating that the Bafta win was the perfect way to conclude a year of travelling to film festivals and industry events. “It was a lovely way to round it all off with the big one, the Bafta,” he remarked.
The origins of kneecap
Kneecap, the rap trio at the heart of the film, was formed in 2017 by three friends known by their stage names: Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí. The group quickly garnered attention for their unique blend of Irish-language rap, political themes, and irreverent humour.
The idea for the film first took shape in 2019 when Peppiatt attended a Kneecap performance in Belfast. Inspired by their energy and the cultural movement they represented, he set out to bring their story to the big screen.
In an interview with BBC Radio Ulster’s Evening Extra programme, Peppiatt reflected on his personal connection to the film’s setting. “I met Kneecap a couple of weeks after moving to Belfast,” he explained. “So, you know, being able to contribute to telling the story of a community I hold very dear—west Belfast—where my in-laws are all from, is very special.”
Championing irish culture and film
Beyond the success of the film, Peppiatt highlighted the importance of promoting Irish culture and language through cinema. “To promote the Irish language and Irish culture and the Irish film industry—something that’s welcomed me with open arms and I just think is world-beating in its standard and its potential—it’s been a huge privilege,” he said.
Kneecap has played a significant role in showcasing Irish-language storytelling on an international stage. The film’s blend of raw authenticity, humour, and socio-political commentary resonated with audiences, further cementing the trio’s reputation beyond the music industry. The film’s success also speaks to the growing recognition of the Irish film industry’s talent and potential in the global arena.
Life after the baftas
Despite the glamour of the awards ceremony and the opportunity to celebrate among industry elites, Peppiatt acknowledged that reality would soon return to normal. “The circus moves on, this is showbusiness,” he remarked. “It’s all very glitzy, it’s all very glamorous. But next week I’ll be back on the Lisburn Road having a cup of coffee and everything will be back to normal, and we’ll think about what we do next.”
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His remarks reflect the often transient nature of industry recognition—while winning a Bafta is an incredible milestone, the focus inevitably shifts to the next creative endeavour. Peppiatt’s humility and grounded perspective reinforce his dedication to storytelling and the communities he represents through his work.
What’s next for peppiatt and kneecap?
Following the success of Kneecap, there is keen interest in what Peppiatt’s next project will be. Given his evident passion for irish culture and cinema, it would not be surprising if he continued to explore similar themes in future projects.
As for the rap trio themselves, the Bafta win has undoubtedly propelled their name further into the limelight. Whether through music or film, kneecap continues to challenge conventions and celebrate the Irish language in ways that resonate with both national and international audiences.
While the glitz of the baftas may fade, the impact of kneecap—both the film and the band—will be felt for years to come. For Peppiatt, this journey has been about more than just awards; it has been about telling a story that matters and giving voice to a community that is deeply personal to him.
