Way back in October, we brought you a first look at Angelina Jolie‘s then untitled directorial debut. All we knew then was that the film would be a drama set during the Bosnian War and that Jolie had recently been banned from filming in Bosnia.
Now we have a title. The movie will be called In The Land of Blood And Honey, and it’s slated to hit theaters on Dec. 23, just in time for Oscar season.
In The Land Of Blood And Honey is a Romeo and Juliet story set during the Bosnian War in which a Muslim woman and a Serbian man fall in love. The cast includes Zana Marjanovic (Snow), Goran Kostic, and Rade Serbedzija (Snatch).
“The film is specific to the Bosnian War, but it’s also universal,” Jolie told The Hollywood Reporter. “I wanted to tell a story of how human relationships and behavior are deeply affected by living inside a war.”
She added, “The former Yugoslavia has a rich history of dramatic arts. The cast was extraordinary. I was privileged and honored to work with them and I am very excited for everyone to see their immense talent.”
Much of this information came in an announcement at Cannes on Sunday that relative newcomer FilmDistrict, who have been on an acquiring spree, will distribute In The Land Of Blood And Honey. Led by Graham King, Tim Headington, and Peter Schlessel, the deal reunites Jolie with King, who also produced The Tourist.
“Working with Angelina on this film and story has been a great collaboration and I am extremely proud of this film,” King told THR. “The filmmaking is impeccable, and signals the arrival of a visceral and compelling storyteller.”
How do you feel about actors turning director? Are you excited about this project?