Irish directorial duo Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn (Good Vibrations [+leggi anche:
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trailer
scheda film], Ordinary Love [+leggi anche:
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trailer
scheda film]) are returning to the international stage with Saipan, a new feature set to world-premiere in the Centrepiece section of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (4-14 September – see the news).

Starring Steve Coogan (Philomena [+leggi anche:
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intervista: Stephen Frears
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intervista: Lorcan Finnegan
scheda film], Lakelands) in the leading roles, the film delves into one of the most dramatic episodes in Irish sporting history: the explosive feud between Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and team captain Roy Keane ahead of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

The clash, which culminated in Keane’s abrupt departure from the squad during a training camp on the remote Pacific island of Saipan, sparked a national crisis and divided public opinion. With Ireland’s World Cup hopes hanging in the balance, the controversy escalated to the highest levels of government, prompting intervention from the Taoiseach himself. More than a football story, Saipan promises to portray a bitter battle over identity, standards and personal conviction.

The script was penned by Paul Fraser, known for Dead Man’s Shoes and A Room for Romeo Brass. Coogan takes on the role of McCarthy, whilst Hardwicke portrays Keane. The cast also includes Jack Hickey as Niall Quinn, Harriet Cains as Theresa Keane and Niall McNamee as Alan Kelly, along with Alice Lowe, Alex Murphy and Jamie Beamish. Notably, Coogan revealed on The Late Late Show that he met with McCarthy prior to shooting, aiming to ensure a fair and nuanced portrayal of the former manager.

Principal photography began in August 2024 in Belfast, with additional shooting taking place in Dublin. A special mention goes to Misty, the Labrador playing Keane’s beloved dog Triggs – a minor yet iconic presence in the original media storm.

Saipan is being produced by Macdara Kelleher and John Keville for Dublin-based Wild Atlantic Pictures, and by Trevor Birney and Oliver Butler for Belfast-based Fine Point Films. The production received backing from Screen Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen, the UK Global Screen Fund, Coimisiún na Meán, Yellow Moon and Kippure Enterprises.