Saoirse Ronan named as first Irish Film Institute ambassador

Fair play to her.

Saoirse Ronan has been named as the first ambassador of the Irish Film Institute (IFI). The multi-Oscar nominated Carlow actor is the IFI's inaugural ambassador, entering into a three year advocacy commitment to support preservation, education, and exhibition in the Irish film industry. Ronan said that she is honoured to be presented with the new role. "I am delighted to have been asked to be the inaugural IFI Ambassador. Film in Ireland is always something I will support," she said. "Our industry is going from strength to strength through the incredible projects being produced at home and abroad by Irish filmmakers, and by producers from across the pond also." In 2011, Ronan appeared in the IFI's preservation fundraising campaign, to raise awareness of vital funds needed to build a new facility for materials preserved in the IFI Irish Film Archive. The institute's director Ross Keane said that Ronan's achievements thus far will make her an "outstanding" ambassador for the IFI. “Saoirse is a hugely gifted actress, and we are delighted to have a respected artist of her standing as our inaugural IFI Ambassador,"he said. "Saoirse has achieved excellence in her craft, which is a value we strive for across our remit of film exhibition, preservation and education. "Having previously collaborated with Saoirse on our fundraising campaign in 2011, we are thrilled to be working with her once again as she supports the Irish Film Institute into a new decade." Earlier this month, Ronan received her fourth Academy Award nomination for her role in Little Women.  She was nominated for the first time when she was just 13 years old.