Angelina Jolie Pitt will serve as an executive producer of the upcoming animated feature film, “The Breadwinner,” along with her Jolie Pas Production company.
The film will be based on the young adult novel of the same name by Canadian author Deborah Ellis, and will be directed by Nora Twomey. Anita Doron is writing the screenplay.
“The Breadwinner” follows the story of Parvana, a young girl living under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. She must disguise herself as a boy, and when her father is unfairly imprisoned, she must become the breadwinner of the family.
“Millions of young girls like Parvana are growing up today under oppression or conflict, and helping their families to survive in those conditions. This story is a reminder of the immense value of their contribution” Jolie Pitt said. “I am delighted to be working with a talented team of artists who I know will do justice to the richness, creativity and strength of Afghan culture and to little girls like Parvana.”
“The Breadwinner” is being produced by Aircraft Pictures, Cartoon Saloon and Melusine Productions. It is currently casting and in pre-production, anticipating completion in early 2017.
The book has been in print for over 15 years, and Ellis has just completed the fourth book in the series titled “My Name is Parvana.” She has donated more than $1 million from her book royalties to the charity, Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. Jolie Pitt will also donate any profits obtained from her role as executive producer of the film towards the education of girls in Afghanistan.
Jolie Pitt will be on screen in “By The Sea,” which she wrote, directed and stars in alongside husband Brad Pitt. Her directorial credits include Universal’s “Unbroken,” and “In the Land of Blood and Honey.”
She is also currently in pre-production of “First They Killed My Father,” based on Loung Ung’s memoir about surviving the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. Jolie Pitt will direct from a script she wrote with Ung. Netflix is distributing.