Ambassador Susman's Remarks at the FCO Screening of Angelina Jolie Film “In the Land of Blood and Honey”

29 May 2012

Ambassador Susman:  Thank you.  I would like to begin by reading the letter (PDF, 1 page) that Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sent for this  occasion.

As the American Ambassador, I would also like to express our admiration for the work of American film director, Angelina Jolie.  She has  distinguished herself as a talented actress in countless films, and as a tireless supporter of humanitarian causes.  

Whether founding an organization to provide free legal aid to children seeking asylum, or serving as a goodwill ambassador for the United  Nations High Commission on Refugees, Angelina Jolie has found a way – not only to bear witness to suffering – but to do something about it.  

Her debut behind the camera as the director of tonight’s film has already won her a Stanley Kramer award for work that draws attention to  injustice and social issues.

I join Secretary of State Clinton in praising Foreign Secretary William Hague and this UK initiative.  And I thank Angelina Jolie for  lending her clear voice and her compelling vision to the effort.