The much anticipated film exploring the explosive row between Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane from Ireland's 2002 World Cup is to have its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival.
Saipan will see Éanna Hardwicke star as former Ireland captain Roy Keane and Steve Coogan to portray Mick McCarthy. This film will capture one of the most debated moments in the history of Irish sport. The trailer arrived earlier this Summer. Check it out and Nova's report here.
This row saw Roy Keane sent home from the Irish training camp following a huge quarrel with McCarthy, with the incident leading to a huge divide regarding public opinion in Ireland about who was to blame.
The film, which is being hailed as "the definitive account of one of the most fractious fallings-out in the history of sport", will be screened at the festival as part of the Centerpiece programme, which recognises the best of international cinema, with the festival running from 4 to 14 September.
Saipan will be directed by Lisa Barros D'Sa and Glenn Leyburn, who said this about the Toronto premiere: "Having premiered our last film Ordinary Love at TIFF, we are thrilled to be returning with Saipan and are so honoured to be included in the stellar TIFF 50 lineup".
They continued: "It is such a special festival to screen and watch films, and TIFF audiences are the very best".
Saipan is produced by John Keville, and Macdara Kelleher, as well as Trevor Birney ad Oliver Butler, with Patrick O'Neill, Rachel O'Kane and Eoin Egan serving as executive producers. It is also made in association with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen.
Saipan will hit Irish cinema screens soon.
