The stars of the new film, Saipan, opened the Cork International Film Festival yesterday evening.
The film, which explores the explosive row between former Republic Of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and captain Roy Keane ahead of Ireland's 2002 World Cup preparations in Saipan. kicked off the premiere, which was attended by lead actor Éanna Hardwicke who stars as Keane.
Hardwicke introduced the film alongside co star Alex Murphy and directors Lisa Barros D'Sa and Glenn Leyburn.
Speaking at The Everyman Theatre event, Hardwick said: "Saipan having its Irish premiere in Cork feels a full circle moment for many reasons. My relationship with the Cork Film Festival stretches back. My grandfather Paddy McCarthy was a member of Cork Film Club, back when the festival was conceived. I remember him speaking about censorship at the time and what films had been banned".
"Watching the 2002 World Cup in Cork with my family is one of my earliest memories. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be making a film about this iconic event - one that in its own strange way came to say so much about Ireland at the millennium - and showcasing it in my home city. It is a tremendous honour, and I am looking forward to stepping into the beautiful Everyman Theatre, which has been such a formative part of my life, and bringing the film home".
Saipan will be released in Irish cinemas on 1 January 2026.
This year's edition of the Cork International Film Festival will close at the Everyman Theatre on November 16, with the Irish premiere of Is This Thing On?, directed by Bradley Cooper, who will star in the film alongside Laura Dern and Will Arnett.
A teaser trailer for Saipan arrived back in June. Check this out here.
