Irish film shot in Dundalk makes BAFTA history as most nominated debut film ever

Kneecap, the raucous, genre-defying film that has taken the global stage by storm, is a testament to TG4’s unwavering commitment to Irish cinema. 

Commissioned and supported by TG4 from its inception, Kneecap has been nominated in an astonishing six categories at the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards, cementing its status as one of the year’s most talked-about films. 

Some of the scenes for the widely acclaimed movie were filmed in Dundalk and north Louth including New Street in Dundalk as well as at The Spirit Store in Dundalk and in Greenore.

Kneecap has earned nominations in: 

• Outstanding British Film 
• Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer 
• Film Not in the English Language 
• Original Screenplay 
• Casting 
• Editing 

This sweeping recognition underscores the film’s ability to resonate with audiences far beyond its origins, challenging expectations and pushing boundaries. 

Writer-director Rich Peppiatt stated that:

“The Irish language has always lived generation-to-generation through music and poetry and storytelling, so to be part of that rich history with Kneecap - bringing this beautiful language and Irish cinema to a global stage - is a huge honour.

“And it is only fitting that TG4 - the heartbeat of so much of the best contemporary Irish storytelling - has been a vital part of that journey from the beginning." 

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For a language often viewed as being in decline, the success of Kneecap is a cultural and cinematic triumph. The film’s nominations are proof that Irish-language productions can compete—and win—on the world stage, standing shoulder to shoulder with blockbuster films.

Audiences and critics alike are hungry for authentic, culturally rooted storytelling, and TG4’s investment in Kneecap has proven that these stories can captivate audiences worldwide. 

TG4 is proud to be the broadcast partner for Kneecap, airing exclusively in 2026 and Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, TG4’s Commissioning Editor, added:

“Kneecap is more than just a film; it’s a movement that has carved a unique space in Ireland's youth culture and now in global cinema. Kneecap has yet again brought the Irish language to the most important stages of the world as a powerful creative channel that speaks to indigenous cultures, music lovers and anyone who appreciates good storytelling.

“TG4's commitment to support this wave of excellence in both scripted and non scripted programme genres is unwavering.  Comhghairdeas Kneecap.” 

Set in West Belfast in 2019, Kneecap tells the electrifying story of three young men who revolutionise Irish punk rap, blending Irish and English to create a cultural force like no other.

Starring real-life rap trio Kneecap (Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvaí), alongside Michael Fassbender, Simone Kirby, and Jessica Reynolds, the film has captivated audiences from Sundance to Tribeca. 

TG4 also dominated the 2025 Irish Film & Television Academy Awards (IFTA) with 20 Nominations.

A historic milestone was achieved as Kneecap garnered an unprecedented 17 nominations, the highest ever for a single project.

The nominations include major categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Script, and an extraordinary triple Lead Actor recognition for Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh. 

Kneecap is also Ireland’s official submission for Best International feature at the 2025 Academy Awards. The band have also been shortlisted  in the Best Original Song category for their track Sick In The Head. Nominations are set to be announced on January, 23. 

Competing against some of the most accomplished filmmakers and productions in the industry, Kneecap has firmly established itself as a worthy contender on the global stage.

This recognition highlights that Irish-language films are not only resonating with audiences but are also proving they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best in the world. 

This achievement comes just two years after TG4’s An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) made history as the first Irish-language film to be nominated at the Oscars for Best International Feature.

Together, these milestones demonstrate TG4’s pivotal role in driving the global resurgence of Irish-language cinema and its impact on international audiences. 

The film was produced by Trevor Birney and Jack Tarling for Fine Point Films and Mother Tongues Films, with Patrick O'Neill at Wildcard acting as Co-Producer.

Funding for the film was provided by TG4,  the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, Northern Ireland Screen, Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland, the BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), Coimisiún na Meán,  Dias Feld and Kamila Serkebaeva, with backing from Great Point Media.

The BAFTA Film Awards ceremony will take place on February 16, 2025, in London.