Saoirse Ronan Debuts as Director with ‘Paper Plane’ at BFI London Film Festival

Avatar photoRobert Milaković
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The red carpet is a familiar venue for Saoirse Ronan, but this time she stepped out in a new capacity. At the BFI London Film Festival this week, the four-time Oscar nominee arrived not as an actress but as a filmmaker, marking a significant milestone in her career. Saoirse Ronan’s directorial debut was the highlight of the event, and the photos have sparked excitement among fans.

She posed against the festival’s vibrant pink backdrop, donning a sleek black blazer with satin lapels and matching trousers, her blonde bob and fringe elegantly framing her face. Subtle ear cuffs added a touch of sparkle. It was a refined, minimalist look that allowed the occasion to shine.

The photos were captured on October 16 during a screening of ‘I See Myself’, a short film program featured at the 70th BFI London Film Festival, which runs from October 7 to 18. This program highlights individuals who carve out a larger space for themselves in a world that often tries to confine them, through silent protests, personal reflections, and vocal uprisings.

Included in this lineup is ‘Paper Plane’, the short film that Ronan wrote and directed. This marks her first venture behind the camera, and according to its producers, it was scheduled to screen at the festival twice, on October 16 and 17, with both showings sold out.

The 15-minute British-Irish co-production tells the story of a rebellious young girl who stages a silent protest, refusing to return home until her father’s disruptive presence is gone. Her mother must then choose whether to follow her or part ways. Martha Malone leads the cast, alongside ‘Kin’ star Clare Dunne and Tim Creed.

Ronan has described the film as a love letter to her younger self and her mother. It received support from Screen Ireland and was produced by Una Pictures, Keeper Pictures, and Sad Dog Films, with Shirin Erin producing and Kate McCollough serving as cinematographer.

The short premiered in September at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, where it competed in the Orizzonti Short Film Competition, selected from over 2,500 submissions. This event also marked Ronan’s first time walking a red carpet as a director, a milestone that garnered significant attention.

Reactions have been positive, with many praising her direction and McCollough’s cinematography. One review mentioned that while the film doesn’t fully stick the landing, its concluding moments are satisfying and hint at a promising future for Ronan as a director. Social media users noted that the audience applauded when her name appeared in the end credits.

Directing has been on Ronan’s mind for years. She shared with Deadline in October 2024 that she aspired to direct next, crediting ‘Little Women’ and ‘Barbie’ director Greta Gerwig for her guidance. Gerwig encouraged Ronan to observe the preparation process closely before making the leap.

Her experience producing ‘The Outrun’, in which she also starred, bolstered her confidence, helping her grasp the early decisions that shape a film. ‘Paper Plane’ is the first public outcome of that learning journey.

Ronan’s appearance also signifies her return to the festival circuit after a significant personal milestone. She and her husband, actor Jack Lowden, welcomed their first child in September 2025, following their marriage in a private ceremony in Edinburgh the previous summer. Many fans online expressed their joy at seeing her back in the spotlight.

Opinions on her new haircut varied, with some commenters finding the suit a bit conservative, while many praised her radiant appearance. The reactions highlight how closely audiences follow her style, even when the focus is on a short film.

Ronan remains active as an actress, participating in Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopic, and her recent work includes the dark comedy ‘Bad Apples’, which was showcased at the BFI London Film Festival last year. After its debut in Venice, ‘Paper Plane’ is set to screen at various autumn festivals as its team seeks broader distribution.

Whether she will transition to feature films as a director is yet to be determined. For now, fans can relish the unique opportunity to see a beloved actress step behind the camera.

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