Writer-director Richard Peppiatt–whose Kneecap earlier this week topped the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) with seven honors, including being named the year’s best British independent film–has joined production house Eleanor for U.S. and U.K. representation spanning commercials and branded content.
Kneecap’s stellar showing at BIFA also included Peppiatt winning for Best Debut Screenwriter. Momentum continues to build on the awards show circuit for Kneecap which made history earlier this year as the first Irish-language feature to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival where it won the NEXT Audience Award. A celebration of music, subculture and the power of language, Kneecap has earned praise from critics and audiences alike for its irreverent humor and poignant storytelling.
Sophie Gold, president of Eleanor, shared, “When my husband suggested we watch Kneecap on a date night, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a film about an Irish hip-hop band rapping in Gaelic. But from the opening scene, I was blown away. The film is perfectly paced, wickedly funny, and utterly brilliant. By the end, I turned to my husband and said, ‘This is the best film I’ve seen all year.’ Naturally, I reached out to Rich immediately.”
Before his directorial career, Peppiatt made headlines with his hard-hitting critique of his experience as a journalist, toured nationally as a stand-up, and built a reputation as an acclaimed TV writer, earning a Scottish RTS & BAFTA.
Embarking on a new chapter in his career, Peppiatt shared, “Moving from the narrative world into the advertising world, I’m excited by projects that allow for exploration. In advertising’s heyday, directors had the freedom to push the boat out creatively and test out ideas. Storytelling has always been about pushing boundaries and connecting with audiences in unexpected ways. I want to be part of the return to that level of creative ambition. Whether in film or advertising, my focus remains on creating work that entertains and resonates.”
