Kneecap x Wie luistert er naar de Hûnekop

In August we’ll once again screen films in the garden of Theater De Nieuwe Vorst for our Zomerfilms! Enjoy a unique open-air film program. The main film will be preceded by a short film from a young director. We asked this young director: Which main film would you program alongside your own work, and why?

On Thursday the 14th of August we invite Sibrich Wijnia to present her short documentary Wie luistert er naar de Hûnekop, followed by the comic and musical Kneecap from director Rich Peppiatt. The true story of a trio of eccentric Northern Irish rappers.

We’ll start the film as soon as it gets dark, around 9:00 pm. Of course, you’re welcome to come and have a drink beforehand. If the weather’s bad, we’ll move to the main hall of the theatre. The summer films are a pay what you want event.

Warning for non English speakers: the short film is in Dutch and will not have English subtitles.

Rich Peppiatt – 104 minutes

Kneecap chronicles the explosive rise of Northern Irish rap group Kneecap, consisting of members Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, who play themselves in this gritty and energetic biopic. What starts as frustration about oppression, injustice and cultural erasure grows into a left-wing, radical musical uprising. Their style is confrontational and funny, and fully bilingual: Irish and English. A political choice and a cultural statement.

The film is set in Belfast, where the scars of the conflict between Catholic Ireland and predominantly Protestant England are still very much felt. Kneecap use humour as a weapon, music as a form of resistance, and proudly embrace their heritage. 

The film premiered at Sundance, where it immediately received the Audience Award. Director Rich Peppiatt blends documentary-like rawness with playful fiction and punk energy. Kneecap themselves recently made headlines for their outspoken pro-Palestinian statements: at the Coachella festival the trio spoke out against Israel, after which their American visas were revoked.

At Best Kept Secret in Hilvarenbeek this month, Kneecap was moved to the main stage at the last minute. Not just because of their popularity, but also to give their activist voice space as a counterpoint to war and oppression.

Sibrich Wijnia – 9:52 minutes

During a party deep in the Frisian woods, we meet the rock band the Hûnekop in this short documentary by maker Sibrich Wijnia. These down-to-earth guys are known for their rough image and music revolving around Frisian identity. Over the course of the evening, we get to know the band and learn what makes their music so special to their fans. 

Sibrich Wijnia is a Frisian filmmaker and producer from Rotterdam. In her work she explores cultural identity, connection and history, often from a personal or regional perspective. Her film fits seamlessly alongside the main feature Kneecap, where music, language and heritage also serve as sources of resistance and connection.

For this summer program De Nieuwe Vorst applies a ‘Pay what you want’ principle for tickets. Are you short on cash? Then buy a ticket for €2. If you can spare a bit more, pay €6. If you’re feeling generous, go for the €10 ticket. Get your tickets at denieuwevorst.nl