Academy Award-nominated actors Salma Hayek (Frida) and Demián Bichir (A Better Life) will star in director and Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie’s new drama Without Blood.
The film is adapted from a novella by best-selling author Alessandro Baricco. Set in the Italian countryside, it tells the story of a woman who is faced with reliving her haunting past after meeting the man who saved her life when she was a little girl. Without Blood is scheduled to begin production in Southern Italy and Rome this month.
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“It’s a dream come true to be directed by [Angelina Jolie],” Hayek wrote on social media. “I have been a fan of her work as a filmmaker for many years. As if that wasn’t enough, I have the pleasure to work with two great friends, Angelina and [Demián Bichir].”
Bichir also chimed in on social media about his excitement for the upcoming project. He and Hayek have starred in two movies together, 2001’s In the Time of Butterflies and 2012’s Savages. “Angelina is one of the finest directors there is,” he wrote. “Her films are filled with depth and heart. I’m honored to help you tell this beautiful story by the wonderful Alessandro Baricco. And what a joy it will be to join you again on a film, Salma.”
This is Jolie’s fifth feature narrative as a director. Her first was in 2011 with the drama In the Land of Blood and Honey, set during the Bosnian War. She also directed 2014’s Unbroken, 2015’s By the Sea, and 2017’s First They Killed My Father.
“I’m honored to be here in Italy to bring this very special material to film and to have been entrusted by Alessandro Baricco with the adaptation of his book – with its unique poetry and emotion and way of looking at war and the questions it poses about what we search for after trauma or loss or injustice,” Jolie said in a statement.
Before Without Blood, Hayek will be seen in the sequel Magic Mike’s Last Dance opposite Channing Tatum. Demián Bichir will be seen in the TV adaptation of the vampire drama Let the Right One In.