Ireland, Northern Ireland, UK, 2025
Running time: 90’
Directors: Lisa Barros D’Sa, Glenn Leyburn; writer: Paul Fraser; cinematography: Piers McGrail; editing: John Murphy, Gavin Buckley; production design: John Leslie; costumes: Lara Campbell; music: David Holmes, Brian Irvine; casting: Áine O’Sullivan; producers: Macdara Kelleher, John Keville, Trevor Birney, Olly Butler; production companies: Wild Atlantic Pictures, Wildcard, Fine Point Films.
With Éanna Hardwicke, Steve Coogan, Peter McDonald, Jamie Beamish, Alice Lowe, Aoife Hinds, Oliver Coopersmith, Alex Murphy, Harriet Cains, Jack Hickey
SYNOPSIS
Saipan explores and recreates the explosive clash between Irish soccer star Roy Keane and team manager Mick McCarthy before the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Their feud, rooted in clashing standards and personalities, erupted on the island of Saipan, shaking the Irish team and nation. As Keane walked out, McCarthy faced chaos. This gripping true story goes beyond sport: it’s a dramatic, often comic tale of a rivalry that captured global attention.
DIRECTORS
Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn are a Belfast-based directing duo. Before Saipan, they directed Ordinary Love (2019), starring Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville; Good Vibrations (2012, IrishFilmFesta.7), a comedy-drama based on the true story of Terri Hooley, who ran a record shop on the most-bombed street in Belfast during the Troubles; and Cherrybomb (2009).
TRAILER