Irish rap comedy Kneecap tops British independent film awards

Director Rich Peppiatt said ‘there is an irony in the best British film being Irish’ as his Belfast-set film won seven prizes in total

Irish-language rap comedy Kneecap emerged as the big winner at the British independent film awards (Bifas), with seven prizes in total including the headline best British independent film award.

Starring rappers Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh – AKA Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí – the Belfast-set film is directed by Rich Peppiatt and features an appearance from Michael Fassbender as a former republican paramilitary. The three leads won best joint lead performance, while Peppiatt also won best debut screenwriter. Kneecap had already won four craft awards, which were announced in November.