FilmDistrict Acquires Angelina Jolie Directing Debut IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY

Variety reports that GK Films has announced in Cannes that FilmDistrict will release Angelina Jolie’s directorial debut, IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY. Set against the backdrop of the Bosnian War in the 90s, the film will be released in the U.S. on December 23, 2011.

“The film is specific to the Bosnian War, but it’s also universal,” Jolie said in a statement. “I wanted to tell a story of how human relationships and behavior are deeply affected by living inside a war.” 

“The former Yugoslavia has a rich history of dramatic arts. The cast was extraordinary. I was privileged and honored to work with them and I am very excited for everyone to see their immense talent,” adds Jolie, who also wrote the script.

Shot last year in Bosnia, Graham King and his business partner Tim Headington financed the film.

“Working with Angelina on this film and story has been a great collaboration and I am extremely proud of this film,” said King.

Starring Zana Marjanovic, Goran Kostic and Rade Serbedzija, IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY was shot simultaneously in both English and BHS, formerly known as Serbo-Croatian.

Jolie is presently in Cannes to promote DreamWorks Animation’s KUNG FU PANDA 2 and to be with partner Brad Pitt as his drama, TREE OF LIFE, premieres Monday.

About FilmDistrict

FilmDistrict is a multi-faceted acquisitions, distribution, production and financing company focusing on wide release, commercial pictures. Founded in September by Graham King and Tim Headington’s GK Films, in partnership with Peter Schlessel, the company’ films include INSIDIOUS, April 1; SOUL SURFER, April 8; DRIVE, Sept. 16; and LOCKOUT, February 24, 2012. For more information, visit filmdistrict.com.

About GK Films

Graham King launched GK Films in May 2007 with business partner Tim Headington. Most recently, GK Films produced the animated tale RANGO, directed by Gore Verbinski and produced with his Blind Wink Productions for Paramount Pictures, THE TOWN, written and directed by Ben Affleck for Warner Bros., and THE TOURIST, directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp.

The company is currently in post-production on the 3-D adventure film HUGO Cabret, directed by Martin Scorsese set for release through Paramount Pictures on November 23rd 2011, the crime drama LONDON BOULEVARD, starring Colin Farrell and Keira Knightley and written and directed by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter William Monahan and THE RUM DIARY starring Johnny Depp and produced with Depp’s production company, Infinitum Nihil.

GK Films has announced several projects in development including the screen adaptation of JERSEY BOYS, the untitled Freddie Mercury story starring Sacha Baron Cohen and written by Peter Morgan and a reboot of the successful action franchise, TOMB RAIDER. Previous GK Films releases include EDGE OF DARKNESS, and the three-time Academy Award® nominated THE YOUNG VICTORIA.

GK Films can be found at http://gk-films.com.