A former politician and representative of the Green League, the 49 year-old Krohn joined the Finnish Film Foundation in December 2005. After a five year term at the head of the Film Foundation, her post was declared vacant when the Board decided to "examine carefully the future and actual changes in the Finnish film industry and to reflect upon the leadership required due to these changes. " A total of 12 candidates applied of which five were interviewed. Krohn's positive track record led to her re-election.
"During the first five-year period of Mrs. Irina Krohn, domestic films have reached unforeseen popularity [27% market share in 2010] and the Finnish film industry has proved to be both versatile and artistically vital. However, the quickly changing operational environment is setting new, big challenges to film makers, producers and distributors," said the Foundation's Board in a statement.
"Together with the Managing Director Irina Krohn, the board of the Finnish Film Foundation wants to help the progress of the Finnish film industry so as to ensure that local films carry on providing experiences for audiences in Finland and - more and more - abroad. The board of the Finnish Film Foundation considers important the fact that the Managing Director is engaged to develop the operation of the Finnish Film Foundation by open dialogue with the whole film industry. Developing openness, confidence and transparency of the administrative culture in the Finnish Film Foundation is a work to be continued intensively."
The Board also stated: "The on-going changes in distribution question the whole cinematic value chain and challenge the actual supporting models of film production. The operation of the Finnish Film Foundation calls for sensitivity and readiness for changes for sake of the film industry and also proactive strategic initiatives in order to secure the quality and volume of local films."