November 16, 2020

Irish Film London is thrilled to announce that award-winning Irish actor, Saoirse Ronan, has become their newest patron.

In what has been the most challenging year for the film industry so far, IFL is delighted to have such good news to share.

Saoirse Ronan is currently to be seen alongside Kate Winslet and IFL patron, Fiona Shaw, in Francis Lee’s film, Ammonite. Saoirse said:

“Irish Film London has developed a brilliant platform for Irish filmmakers and actors to showcase the breadth of their talent across the UK. They have helped to cultivate a strong reputation for Irish film here, so I’ve always found there to be a warm reception on the ground and a recognition of the quality of our work.”

The announcement coincides with the release of the latest Irish Film London Podcast episode, which features a chat with the New York-born actor about her latest film, being Irish abroad, lock-down guilty pleasures, the future of indie films and much more.

The recently launched podcast series also hosts many other brand-new interviews as well as clips from live Q&As, including with IFL patrons, actors and filmmakers, such as Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, directors of Cartoon Saloon’s long-awaited latest animated feature, Wolfwalkers; and Clare Dunne and Phyllida Lloyd on their remarkable new film, Herself.

The podcast is available to listen to on Irish Film London’s dedicated online platform, Irish Film From Home as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere you get your podcasts. Irish Film From Home also showcases Irish film, TV and animation with a regular feed of films, talks and film-related resources.

Saoirse said of her new role with IFL,

“I’m very excited about becoming a Patron of the Irish Film Festival London to support all its endeavours and look forward to being a part of its ambitious future.”

Of their newest patron, Irish Film London’s founder Kelly O’Connor said:

“Saoirse brings something very special to our IFL family. Not only her astounding talent and disarming charm, but her genuine love of Ireland and Irish people. We’re delighted to be working with her.”

Saoirse joins an increasingly impressive roster of IFL Patrons that includes award-winning Irish actor, Fiona Shaw, Hollywood star Colin Farrell, acclaimed Irish actor Moe Dunford, Oscar-nominated director Lenny Abrahamson and one of the world’s leading casting directors, Ros Hubbard.

Irish Film London is supported in part by the Emigrant Support Programme under the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Culture Ireland, Screen Ireland, The Ireland Funds of Great Britain, the Irish Film Institute and the Irish Youth Foundation.