After the screening at the American Center, Ms. Americanou answered questions from the audience

In commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Human Rights Day, the U.S. Embassy hosted a screening of the short film "Lullaby" by Cypriot director Yianna Americanou. The film tells the story of Inessa, a young Russian mother who becomes the victim of human trafficking for commercial sexual purposes at the hands of Andrikkos, the unscrupulous cabaret owner who abuses and exploits her. The film won Best Directing and Best Acting awards at the September 2009 Drama International Film Festival in Greece.

After the screening at the American Center, Ms. Americanou answered questions from the audience, which included local NGO leaders and activists working to combat trafficking-in-persons, as well as members of the local diplomatic corps and the public. The screening provided a somber reminder of our collective responsibility to eliminate violence against women and protect human rights. It also highlighted the Embassy's commitment to continue the fight against human sexual trafficking, an intolerable form of modern-day slavery.

If you would like to learn more about the issue of human trafficking, please visit the website of the U.S. State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.