The European Film Festival in South Africa will host the South African premiere of Kneecap which has been selected as Ireland’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards.
This electrifying film, directed by Rich Peppiatt, offers a riotous look at a hip-hop trio from Belfast who, by rapping in their native Irish, become the unexpected voice of a movement aimed at preserving their mother tongue. Featuring the trio Kneecap playing themselves in this fiercely original biopic, the film is a bold rallying cry for the defence of native cultures, with its raw mix of sex, drugs, and hip-hop.
“Kneecap, a co-production between the United Kingdom and Ireland, is representing the UK at this year’s festival and we are deeply honoured to bring it to South African audiences,” says Magdalene Reddy, co-director of the festival. “The film not only celebrates the vibrancy of youth but also encapsulates the current generation’s role in defending cultural identity and freedom. It’s one of many award-winning films featured in the festival, but stands out for its powerful voice on the importance of preserving native languages and the spirit of youth activism.”
Other youth focussed films include Matteo Garrone’sIo Capitano (Italy), which recounts the harrowing journey of two teenage boys from Senegal in pursuit of the dream of Europe. This Oscar-nominated film humanizes migration by focusing on the hopes and heroism of those undertaking such dangerous journeys.
Portugal’s Leonor Teles’Baan is a beautifully shot exploration of youth restlessness and self-discovery, with exceptional cinematography.
Emmanuelle Nicot’sLove According To Dalva (Belgium), is a poignant portrait of a young girl’s recovery from childhood sexual abuse, exploring identity, friendship, and resilience, while Colm Bairéad’sThe Quiet Girl (Ireland), is a moving story of a young girl’s emotional transformation while staying with relatives, which earned an Oscar nomination in 2023.
The Danish film Unruly, depicts young women battling patriarchal oppression in a 1930s institution, and a powerful reminder to us of the ongoing struggles for women’s (and girls’) emancipation.
This year’s festival offers a riveting selection of 14 films under the theme Complicated Freedoms, including two Oscar-nominated films, and will run from 10 to 20 October.
The 11th European Film Festival will feature seven Academy Award submissions – Citizen Saint, Io Capitano, Kneecap, Sweet Dreams, The Peasants, The Quiet Girl and The Taste of Things.
Along with Unruly and The Peasants, Kneecap is one of just three films which will show only in the cinemas; at Ster Kinekor The Zone, in Johannesburg and at The Labia, Cape Town. The festival will have one screening of each film for the big cinematic experience at these venues and 11 of these will also be streamed free online.
For full details on the festival lineup, trailers, and booking information, visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za.
