In cinemas across Ireland from January 1 and across Britain from January 23, 2026
SAIPAN is the thrilling story of footballer Roy Keane and his manager Mick McCarthy, and the dramatic events leading up to Ireland’s explosive 2002 World Cup campaign. The intense rivalry between these two towering personalities transcended the game, captivating a nation and the wider sporting world. On the surface, their feud was about standards — but at its heart, it was a deeply emotional story of two men whose rivalry and resentment came to eclipse the sport they loved. This is the definitive account of one of the most infamous fallings-out in sporting history.
SAIPAN | World Premiere | TIFF 2025
Saipan made its world premiere at TIFF’s 50th edition (4–14 September 2025), where it was showcased as part of the festival’s Centrepiece programme, highlighting exceptional international cinema. The selection followed the film’s development by directors Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, who said they were “thrilled and honoured” to return to TIFF following the success of their previous film.
The film dramatises the explosive confrontation between former Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy on the eve of the 2002 FIFA World Cup — a moment that reverberated far beyond sport. With its premiere in Toronto, Saipan not only elevated a distinctly Irish sporting story to the global stage but also reaffirmed its ambition to resonate with audiences worldwide.
