BFF25 Saipan
BFF25 Saipan
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
The thrilling story of the infamous confrontation between iconic Republic of Ireland football captain Roy Keane (an outstanding Éanna Hardwicke) and his national team manager Mick McCarthy (a superb Steve Coogan) during the Irish team’s preparations for the 2002 FIFA World Cup on the island of Saipan.
The intense rivalry between these two personalities transcended the game, gripping an entire nation and the sporting world as a whole. On the surface, the feud was all about standards, but deep down it was an incredible story of two men whose rivalry and contempt surpassed the sport they loved. This is the definitive account of one of the most fractious fallings-out in the history of sport.
OFFICIAL SELECTION – Toronto International Film Festival 2025
OFFICIAL SELECTION – BFI London Film Festival 2025
“Saipan zeroes in on the clashing personalities that led to one of Ireland’s biggest modern controversies, resulting in a fascinating document of recent Irish history.” - Collider
The thrilling story of the infamous confrontation between iconic Republic of Ireland football captain Roy Keane (an outstanding Éanna Hardwicke) and his national team manager Mick McCarthy (a superb Steve Coogan) during the Irish team’s preparations for the 2002 FIFA World Cup on the island of Saipan.
The intense rivalry between these two personalities transcended the game, gripping an entire nation and the sporting world as a whole. On the surface, the feud was all about standards, but deep down it was an incredible story of two men whose rivalry and contempt surpassed the sport they loved. This is the definitive account of one of the most fractious fallings-out in the history of sport.
OFFICIAL SELECTION – Toronto International Film Festival 2025
OFFICIAL SELECTION – BFI London Film Festival 2025
“Saipan zeroes in on the clashing personalities that led to one of Ireland’s biggest modern controversies, resulting in a fascinating document of recent Irish history.” - Collider
Rating:
E18+
Runtime:
91 mins