I think all involved were passionate about the subject-matter, which is why, I think, it has touched so many people - as for the worldwide approbation, it has come as a wonderful surprise to all of us!
- And how have you personally found the response to the film?
Taking on this role, my biggest concern was to do justice to the story and the character; and the response has been very moving! Also, as a Greek-Cypriot I feel very proud to have been a part in the telling of this story.
- You read law at Oxford so what made you decide to go down the acting path? Is it something that you have always wanted to do?
It was my grandmother who'd always talk to me about the theatre, and actors she loved - she'd always take me to see plays she had seen and loved when she was young.
I come from a family of lawyers, which is why I read Law initially, and was struggling towards the end, because it was really not for me. My grandmother came to stay during my final year exams with strict instructions from my mother to "oversee my studies".
But every evening around 6 o' clock she'd barge in my room where I'd be cramming case studies and would declare: If we set off right now we'll be just in time for a play!
- You kicked off you career in TV so how have you found the transition onto the big screen?
It is true that I started my career on the BBC's most popular medical drama, Casualty, as regular character nurse Nadia.
TV projects such as House of Saddam and The Amazing Mrs Pritchard followed, and a little later films such as The Fourth Kind starring Milla Jovovich and Roman Polanski's The Ghostwriter.
It hasn't been a transition as such from TV to film, but more a journey from one project to the next.
What's most wonderful about my job is reading a new script and starting to prepare for a new character. This anxiety-laced excitement is the same whether the new project is film, TV or stage!
- You worked with Roman Polanski on The Ghost so how was that experience? Are there any other filmmakers in particular that you would like to collaborate with?
I could hardly believe my luck when my agents phoned to say I was chosen to play Mexican legal intern Connie in The Ghostwriter, to be directed by one of the greatest film-makers of all time Roman Polanski!
It was a dream come true. He was a wonderful man, generous and polite and a great perfectionist. It was a joy to work with him as well as movie legends such as Pierce Brosnan, Ewan McGregor and Kim Cattrall, who were all kind and supportive to a beginner such as myself!
As for film-makers I'd love to work with in the future, I would have to say Danny Boyle, Ang Lee, Martin Scorsese to name but a few.. I would also do anything that had Meryl Streep in it - including fetching coffees for her! - she is truly sensational.
- 2011 is drawing to a close so what movies and performances have you been enjoying this year?
I enjoyed Michelle Williams' performance in My Week With Marilyn, and Tilda Swinton in the extremely disturbing We Need To Talk About Kevin. Both inspiring female actors!
I also enjoyed Mark Rylance's spectacular and age-defining portrayal of Johnny Byron in Jerusalem at the Apollo Theatre in London.
- Finally what's next for you?
I am set to play the lead in an English language thriller set on the north-western tip of Cyprus - which is both breathtakingly beautiful and quite scary, full of high cliffs and choppy seas.
There is also an exciting and beautifully written new play set to happen next year in London.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw