Saoirse Ronan Steps Behind the Camera as Her Directorial Debut ‘Paper Plane’ Lands in London

Saoirse Ronan has spent most of her life on the other side of the lens, but her directorial debut has quietly become one of the most talked-about chapters of her career. The four-time Oscar nominee wrote and directed the short film ‘Paper Plane’, a deeply personal project that has been travelling the festival circuit this autumn.

The film first premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 10, where it competed in the Orizzonti strand. That alone was a major feat, with only 15 shorts selected for the Orizzonti Award for Best Short Film from more than 2,500 entries.

Now the film has made its way to London. On October 16, Ronan was photographed at the ‘I See My Self’ screening during the 70th BFI London Film Festival, a shorts programme that includes ‘Paper Plane’. The festival runs from October 7 to 18.

For the occasion, Ronan posed against the festival’s bright pink backdrop in a sharp black blazer with satin lapels and matching trousers, her blonde bob and fringe framing her face. She also walked the event alongside the film’s young star Martha Malone and producer Shirin Eren.

The programme itself centers on characters pushing back against a world that tries to box them in, whether through silent protests, private reflections or louder acts of defiance. It’s a fitting home for Ronan’s film, which runs just 15 minutes and was shot on 35mm.

Saoirse Ronan photographed at the ‘I SEE MY SELF’ screening during the 70th BFI London Film Festival. 📷 https://t.co/m4Q3B1H4ez

— Cinethology (@thecinethology) October 16, 2026

‘Paper Plane’ follows a defiant young girl who stages a silent protest, refusing to return home until her father’s disruptive presence is gone, leaving her mother to decide whether to follow her or let her go. The cast includes Malone, Clare Dunne and Tim Creed.

In her director’s statement for the Venice Film Festival, Ronan described the short as “a love letter to a younger version of myself” and to a younger version of her mother. She explained that she wanted to explore how a young mind makes sense of something beyond its control, with the paper plane standing in for lost innocence and the need for connection between 2 people who love each other but struggle to meet in the middle.

Saoirse Ronan with Martha Malone and Shirin Eren at the "I See My Self" Shorts Programme during the 70th BFI London Film Festival today. https://t.co/6SWdzjnqTw

— Saoirse Ronan Source (@sronansource) October 16, 2026

Behind the scenes, Ronan surrounded herself with a strong creative team. The film was shot by cinematographer Kate McCullough, scored by Hannah Peel and produced by Una Pictures, Keeper Pictures and Ronan’s own Sad Dog Films, with funding support from Screen Ireland and BBC Films.

Directing has been on Ronan’s mind for years. Speaking to the BFI, she revealed she was drawn to directing even before she started acting, and felt the timing was right as her life began to change.

She has also made it clear ‘Paper Plane’ won’t be her last effort behind the camera. Ronan said she has ideas brewing and would like to make a feature, but wants to let the short have its own life first.

Saoirse Ronan with Jack Lowden at the BFI London Film Festival https://t.co/IjGPV51NZr

— saoirse ronan files (@saoirsefiles) October 16, 2026

Ronan’s directing debut arrives during an especially busy period. She is currently filming Sam Mendes’ 4-film Beatles project, playing Linda McCartney opposite Paul Mescal’s Paul McCartney, with all 4 films set for release in 2028.

Her festival ties to London also run deep. Last year, her dark comedy ‘Bad Apples’, from director Jonatan Etzler, screened in competition at the 69th edition of the BFI London Film Festival.

This year’s festival is the biggest celebration yet, featuring 251 features, shorts, series and immersive works from 88 countries. Amid that crowded lineup, Ronan’s intimate short stands out as a sign of where one of her generation’s most respected actors may be heading next.

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