Updated 06:13 AM EDT, Fri, Mar 29, 2024

Angelina Jolie to Direct Child Soldier Film 'First They Killed My Father' for Netflix

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Angelina Jolie has a penchant for war movies. After directing last year's "Unbroken," the multi-awarded actress is getting her hands once again, on a war drama.

"First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" is the latest flick that she will be directing for Netflix. The story is based on the memoir of Cambodian author and human rights activist Loung Ung, survivor of the deadly Khmer Rouge regime.

Jolie will direct and produce the film, which she adapted with Ung. According to Variety, Oscar-nominated Cambodian director and producer Rithy Panh will also be working with Jolie in the project, which will be made available for members of the streaming service late next year. Netflix also announced that the film will be submitted to major international festivals, and will be available in two languages: English and Khmer.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Ung and Jolie first met in 2001, after the Hollywood actress and director read Ung's memoir. They became friends and have worked together on developing the screenplay, which will be filmed later this year in Cambodia.

Jolie spoke highly of Ung's story as she said she was "deeply affected by Loung's book."

"It deepened forever my understanding of how children experience war and are affected by the emotional memory of it. And it helped me draw closer still to the people of Cambodia, my son's homeland," the actress added.

Speaking of her son, Maddox, he is said to be involved in the film, although there have been no reports yet as to what his role will be.

In a statement via CNN, Jolie spoke of the project 's importance, "Films like this are hard to watch but important to see. They are also hard to get made. Netflix is making this possible, and I am looking forward to working with them and excited that the film will reach so many people."

Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos shared his thoughts on working with Jolie. He said in a statement, "We are proud to be working with Angelina Jolie in bringing this emotionally powerful and ultimately uplifting story exclusively to Netflix members around the world. Loung Ung's incredible journey is a testament to the human spirit and its ability to transcend even the toughest circumstances."

"First They Killed My Father" is the latest in Jolie's directorial career. Following last year's WWII drama, "Unbroken," she proceeded on another directorial effort called "By The Sea," which stars herself and her husband, Brad Pitt. After filming the Cambodia war story, Jolie is expected to move on and direct another film called "Africa," a film that will tackle animal trading.

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