About a month ago, we got a look at the first trailer for Angelina Jolie‘s directorial debut In the Land of Blood and Honey, and, to be honest, that preview was the first time the film had really been on my radar since the project was initially announced. But that’s far from the case now.
FilmDistrict, who is handling the U.S. distribution of Jolie‘s film, has just announced that they will be releasing the film in its original Bosnian language, with English subtitles. (There is also an English-language cut of the film which could be used in a variety of ways: VOD, DVD, or even in certain foreign countries during the film’s theatrical run.) And the tongue, actually, is a bit more complicated than simply “Bosnian,” so I’ll quote the press release to clarify: “The language, which was called Serbian-Croatian during the Bosnian War depicted in the film, is now called Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (Bosanski/Hrvatski/Srpski).” [Deadline]
You’ll recall from the recently ludicrous legal allegations surrounding Nicolas Winding Refn‘s Drive that FilmDistrict has been at the center of controversial discussion for some time now — and this is a decision that will likely keep them there. Not that this was ever likely to be a surefire commercial play in the first place, but this choice will undoubtedly give the film’s moneymaking prospects yet another obstacle to overcome.
For me, however, this announcement signifies a real connection between Jolie and the studio handling her film, and also emphasizes the pure passion that appears to be behind this project for the Oscar-winning actress. (She also penned the script.) “I’m honored that FilmDistrict has chosen to release the film in the United States in the original BHS-language version,” said Jolie. “It was always my hope that U.S. audiences would have the opportunity to experience this version.”
In the Land of Blood and Honey will begin its theatrical release on December 23 in New York and Los Angeles and will widen throughout the month of January.
Does this authenticity of this news excite you? Are you looking forward to the film?