Director Angelina Jolie to Bless the Rains In 'Africa'
Although her highly-anticipated Louis Zamperini biopic Unbroken doesn’t bow for another three months, Angelina Jolie already has another true story in the works. Jolie has been tapped to direct Africa for Skydance Productions from a script by Eric Roth.
The pic is based on the true story of paleoanthropologist Richard Leakey’s battle with ivory poachers, who threatened the existence of the African elephant population and the very soul of Africa. Jolie, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Jon Peters are producing.
“Based on Richard Leakey’s inspirational life, Africa is a story that deserves to be told,” Ellison said. “It is very close to my heart, and I know that it will exceed my expectations in Angelina’s hands. She is an incredibly talented filmmaker and is sure to turn Eric Roth’s impeccable script into the project I’ve always wanted Skydance to be involved in.”
Roger Deakins, who worked with Jolie on Unbroken, is also on board as the film’s cinematographer.
“I’ve felt a deep connection to Africa and its culture for much of my life, and was taken with Eric’s beautiful script about a man drawn into the violent conflict with elephant poachers who emerged with a deeper understanding of man’s footprint and a profound sense of responsibility for the world around him,” said Jolie.
Unbroken which is based on the true story of Olympic star and WWII POW Zamperini bows on Christmas Day. Jolie is currently directing the Universal pic By the Sea which she wrote and also stars in opposite husband Brad Pitt.
She is repped by UTA and Media Talent Group.
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