In 1998 , Duffy is finally able to obtain financing for the film through Franchise Pictures , although it totals less than half of Miramax 's offer . '' The Boondock Saints '' is promoted at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival , but all the major American distribution companies pass on it . The film manages to receive a limited release in five cities , but performs poorly and is pulled after a week before being released on DVD and VHS . On the night of the film 's screening at the Palm Springs Film Festival , Duffy and producer Chris Brinker are almost killed by a car jumping the curb and speeding off ; the car and its driver remain unidentified . Although positive reviews of the movie begin to spread via word-of-mouth and the film becomes a financial success , Duffy 's contract with Franchise Films stipulates he can not profit from the film 's television , home media , or foreign sales . He eventually spends all of the money he earned from his film and record deals , his bar closes , and he is unable to secure any work in Hollywood within six years after the production of '' The Boondock Saints ''
1999 Cannes Film Festival
1999 Cannes Film Festival
Overnight