The BFI London Film Festival welcomed the premiere of Saipan, a gripping new drama from directors Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn that revisits one of the most explosive chapters in Irish sporting history.
Starring Éanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane and Steve Coogan as Mick McCarthy, the film charts the events leading up to the now-infamous “Saipan incident” — when a nation’s World Cup dream imploded under the weight of ego, expectation, and emotion.
We spoke to the cast and filmmakers on the red carpet about bringing this legendary moment to the screen, and the challenges of balancing sporting mythology with human truth.
Colin Hart and Ethan Hart were on the red carpet. Here are their interviews.
Saipan LFF Premiere Interviews
Plot:
A fleet‑footed recreation of the infamous 2002 Republic of Ireland bust‑up between coach Mick McCarthy and captain Roy Keane, anchored by Coogan and a ferocious Hardwicke.
Saipan is screening as part of the 2025 London Film Festival. Find out more and book your tickets here: https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/lff/
