Angelina Jolie Pitt to Executive Produce Animated Film ‘The Breadwinner’

Angelina Jolie Pitt is making an animated movie about a child growing up in a war-torn foreign land – and no, it’s not a biopic about one of her kids.

The Breadwinner will focus on a young Afghani girl named Parvana who disguises herself as a boy to become the family breadwinner after her father is unfairly imprisoned.

Jolie Pitt’s Jolie Pas Productions is teaming up with Aircraft Pictures, Cartoon Saloon, and Melusine Productions for the film, with Angie acting as executive producer and Nora Twomey (Oscar-nominee for The Secret of Kells) directing.

The story is based on the best-selling young adult novel by Canadian author Deborah Ellis, who also penned the screen story. The screenplay will be written by Anita Doron.

In addition to being a self-empowering look at life under Taliban rule, The Breadwinner will also celebrate the culture, history, and beauty of Afghanistan, according to a statement.

“Millions of young girls like Parvana are growing up today under oppression or conflict, and helping their families to survive in those conditions,” Jolie Pitt said. “This story is a reminder of the immense value of their contribution. 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 film will be produced by Tomm Moore, Paul Young, Anthony Leo, Andrew Rosen, and Stephan Roelants. Along with Jolie Pitt, executive producers will include Jehane Noujaim, Karim Amer, and Gerry Shirren.

The Breadwinner is currently casting and in pre-production. Production is slated to begin in August, with a release date in early-to-mid 2017.

The film will be in both English and Dari – which I’m assured is really a language.

[via Deadline]