The Angelina Jolie-directed “Without Blood” has been acquired by Brainstorm Media.
With a screenplay by Jolie and Alessandro Baricco, “Without Blood” is based on Baricco’s novel of the same name. Starring Salma Hayek Pinault and Demián Bichir with Juan Minujín, the film is set in the aftermath of an unnamed conflict, exploring universal truths about war, trauma, memory and healing. The film held its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
“Without Blood” will be released in U.S. theaters on Sept. 18.
“Alessandro Baricco’s ‘Without Blood’ examines universal truths about trauma, memory and healing,” Jolie, who also produced the project, said Monday morning. “The emotional intimacy and openness that our cast and crew brought to this film was extraordinary and exciting to be around. I hope that Salma and Demián’s brave performances will inspire the type of conversation that Baricco sought in writing the novel.”
Produced by Jolie, alongside Lorenzo Mieli, Lorenzo De Maio and Simone Gattoni, “Without Blood” is a Fremantle North America and The Apartment (a Fremantle company) coproduction, in collaboration with Jolie Productions and De Maio Entertainment.
“Having the opportunity to be directed by Angelina Jolie in ‘Without Blood’ was a profoundly enriching experience,” Hayek Pinault said. “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. 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 U.S. audiences in theaters.”
Hayek Pinault and Jolie previously starred alongside each other in “Eternals” in 2021.
Salma Hayek Pinault in ‘Without Blood.’
The acquisition was negotiated by Alex Peters on behalf of Brainstorm Media, with Creative Artists Agency and Fremantle handling sales.
“Angelina Jolie has crafted, through a revenge western lens, a nuanced and unflinching acknowledgement of the human cost of war,” Brainstorm CEO Michelle Shwarzstein said. “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.”
Jolie’s directing credits include “In the Land of Blood and Honey,” “Unbroken” and “First They Killed My Father.”
“Angelina Jolie’s compelling adaptation of Alessandro Baricco’s novel embodies our shared passion for, and commitment to, telling global stories,” said Andrea Scrosati, Group COO and CEO of Continental Europe, Fremantle. “’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 U.S. audiences.”
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