The film has notched up six BAFTA nominations and won seven BIFAs.
He tells us about the challenges of putting that feature together and maps out whats next.
Would the results have been different?
Rich Peppiatt, “Kneecap"Michael Buckner for Deadline/IFTA
I think I would find it really difficult to live with.
Fortunately, it paid off.
Its backed by Northern Ireland Screen, Screen Ireland and the BFI while AC Independent and Charades repped sales.
From left: Mo Chara, DJ Provaí and Móglai Bap in ‘Kneecap’Sony Pictures Classics/Everett Collection
But it was certainly a different feeling with this one it felt like the stars were aligning on it.
Belfast beginnings
Peppiatt had long been interested in the idea of writing and directing a music biopic.
But he was also searching for a human story that could possibly link to a bigger political backdrop.
Intrigued by a poster he saw advertising Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap, Peppiatt decided to attend the event.
While I didnt understand what they were saying, they had this rawness and authenticity about them.
The pandemic would ultimately slowdown the early momentum of the project.
It was a blessing and a curse in a way, admits Peppiatt.
It slowed everything down but also gave me the headspace to really sit down and write.
Its described as a biopic, but Peppiatt admits some parts of the story are fictitious.
It was devastating because she had mental health issues and was agoraphobic, he says.
The film is dedicated to her in the end credits.
It was really tough for him.
And it was always a conversation with the band as well and they were hugely supportive.
Fassbender was the last cast member to board the project.
You could see him as that sort of figure and Michael was the obvious choice for that.
And beyond that he knew it would just be a good craic.
The writer-director has formalized his relationship with producer Birney, with the duo forming new production outfit Coup dEtat.
Peppiatt is currently adapting the script and will also direct the project.
I do think that I dont deserve any of this and I really pinch myself sometimes, he says.
But I dont take any of it too seriously.
My happy place is being at home with my wife and kids, away from all of that.
I want to keep working in Ireland.
This is my home.
