Irish acting legend Maureen O’Hara (The Quiet Man) has been appointed president of the Universal Film & Festival Organisation (UFFO) – which was created in July 2011 for the purpose of implementing an ethical code of conduct for film festivals.
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UFFO sets out to assist filmmakers and film festivals to conduct business in an ethical way. As a global organisation, UFFO interacts with filmmakers and film festivals all over the world to promote a workable and well written ethical code of conduct that benefits the entertainment and filmmaking industry as a whole. The UFFO already has 70 member festivals and 42 committee members from around the world. Irish committee members include DOP Chris O’Dell, casting agent Denis Desmond and the newly appointed President Maureen O’Hara.
Speaking about UFFO, Maureen O’Hara said ” Every once in a while there is something that stands out and compels us to notice it; I think that is what struck me most about UFFO when it was first brought to my attention. I am so tremendously honoured and proud to be the President of such an international organisation that promotes ethics in an industry I love so much.”
This appointment follows on the heels of her induction into the Irish America Hall of Fame in July, where she was welcomed by President Mary McAleese and former US President Bill Clinton. The star turned 91 in late August.