Angelina Jolie hopes her new movie Without Blood will ‘spark conversation’ as US release confirmed
The actress and filmmaker’s latest directorial project, adapted from Alessandro Baricco’s novel, has secured a US theatrical distributor following its Toronto International Film Festival premiere.
Angelina Jolie’s latest directing project Without Blood, has secured a US theatrical release – with the actress and filmmaker saying she hopes its exploration of trauma and healing will spark the conversations envisioned by novelist Alessandro Baricco.
The drama, directed by Angelina, 51, from a screenplay she co-wrote with Alessandro Baricco, is based on the Italian author’s novel of the same name.
Starring Salma Hayek Pinault and Demián Bichir, alongside Juan Minujín, the film is set in the aftermath of an unnamed conflict and explores themes of war, memory and reconciliation.
After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024, the film has now been acquired by Brainstorm Media ahead of its US theatrical release on 18 September.
The announcement comes as Angelina continues balancing her directing career with acting projects, following recent attention for her performance in Maria, while she remains widely recognised for starring in films including Girl, Interrupted, Maleficent, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Speaking about her new film, Angelina said: “Alessandro Baricco’s Without Blood examines universal truths about trauma, memory and healing.”
She added: “The emotional intimacy and openness that our cast and crew brought to this film was extraordinary and exciting to be around.”
Angelina continued: “I hope that Salma and Demián’s brave performances will inspire the type of conversation that Baricco sought in writing the novel.”
The film was produced by Angelina alongside Lorenzo Mieli, Lorenzo De Maio and Simone Gattoni.
It is a Fremantle North America and The Apartment, a Fremantle company, co-production in collaboration with Jolie Productions and De Maio Entertainment.
Salma, who previously appeared alongside Angelina in Marvel’s Eternals in 2021 and is also known for films including Frida, Desperado and House of Gucci, described working with the Oscar-winning filmmaker as a rewarding experience.
She said: “Having the opportunity to be directed by Angelina Jolie in Without Blood was a profoundly enriching experience.”
Salma added: “Her emotional intelligence and searing sensitivity bring to life a story about how the wounds we carry shape who we become, and the strength it takes to carry on.”
The actress continued: “I am so thrilled that Brainstorm is bringing this visually stunning tale of revenge, guilt, and the long road back to our own humanity to US audiences in theatres.”
The acquisition of Angelina’s movie for US release was negotiated by Alex Peters on behalf of Brainstorm Media, with Creative Artists Agency and Fremantle handling worldwide sales.
Brainstorm Media chief executive Michelle Shwarzstein said: “Angelina Jolie has crafted, through a revenge western lens, a nuanced and unflinching acknowledgement of the human cost of war.”
Michelle added: “Anchored by two brilliant performances by Salma Hayek Pinault and Demián Bichir, this cinematic plea for empathy and understanding has unfortunately never been more relevant today and will resonate deeply with theatrical audiences.”
Andrea Scrosati, Group COO and CEO of Continental Europe at Fremantle, said: “Angelina Jolie’s compelling adaptation of Alessandro Baricco’s novel embodies our shared passion for, and commitment to, telling global stories.”
Andrea added: “Without Blood is a prime example of what can be achieved when we embrace creative freedom and partnerships. We look forward to bringing the film to US audiences.”
Without Blood marks Angelina’s latest feature behind the camera, following In the Land of Blood and Honey, Unbroken and First They Killed My Father.
