Speaking during the virtual Irish Film and Television Awards on Sunday night, the legendary Hollywood director Martin Scorsese praised the "vision, creativity and storytelling" of Irish filmmakers.
The Oscar-winning director said: "Little did we know what strange times lay ahead that we are witnessing now, and it appears to me that we are all having to reinvent cinema now, and that's a good thing, it is.
"Because now, more than ever, we need the moving image. We need vision, creativity and storytelling that takes us on a journey and opens us, enlightens us, opens our hearts and our minds, and there's something about Ireland and Irish storytelling that is universal that connects with everyone in the world.
"John Ford knew that, and I know that".
During the ceremony, which was broadcast on Virgin Media One, Scorsese announced that Ordinary Love had won Best Film IFTA for 2020 and that Black '47, had won Best Film IFTA for 2019.
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The Best Film nominees were split into two categories - Film 2019 and Film 2020 as there was no ceremony in 2019. Other categories were expanded from four to six nominees to reflect the excellent work from over the last two years.
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Speaking during a visit to Ireland in 2017 Scorsese said: "There's a lot of great talent here in Ireland and Irish films. And I would like to see more.
"You look back 50 years, you're right: it's time for you. Reinvent cinema, go ahead. I've done mine; now it's up to you."
