Kneecap's Móglaí Bap has said the success of their Irish-language biopic sends a strong message about the appetite for films in the Irish language.
Speaking to RTÉ London Correspondent Tommy Meskill on the BAFTAs red carpet, he said: "I think the fact we are here at the British Film Awards and it's an Irish-language film, and what the film represents, the topics it talks about – language revival and about communities – I think it sends a strong message that young people these days want something with a bit more depth and a bit more substance. And you see that in Ireland, young people these days are more interested in the language.
"Highlighting the language on these stages brings it to places where it is rarely seen. I think An Cailín Ciúin might have been here before, and I think hopefully after An Cailín Ciúin and the Kneecap movie there will be more films in Irish."
The film's director, Rich Peppiatt, picked up one of the first awards of the night, winning Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer.
Reflecting on his journey to making the film, Peppiatt said: "It's funny how life works," before explaining that he met his wife, moved to Belfast, and that was where he met west Belfast rap trio Kneecap.
He added that Kneecap was a "movement", saying, "Everyone should have their language respected, their culture respected."
The critically acclaimed biopic had been nominated in six categories, including Outstanding British Film, Best Film Not in the English Language, Original Screenplay, Editing, and Casting, but missed out on further wins.
Produced by Belfast's Fine Point Films, Dublin's Wildcard Distribution, London's Mother Tongues Films, and the British Film Institute (BFI), Kneecap has been a box office hit and recently celebrated wins at the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA).
