Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie Pitt is joining forces with an Irish animation company for the production of an inspiring story about a girl growing up in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
Jolie Pitt will be executive producer of the ‘The Breadwinner’, with the animations being created by Kilkenny firm Cartoon Saloon.
Staff at the Irish company could be forgiven for feeling a bit starstruck, but they are used to mixing with Hollywood’s finest, having previously created Oscar-nominated animations The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea.
The Breadwinner is based on the book of the same name by Canadian author Deborah Ellis. It tells the story of Parvana, who has to disguise herself as a boy and provide for her family after her father is unfairly imprisoned.
It has been described as “a story of self-empowerment and imagination in the face of oppression”. Pakistani teenage activist and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai told the New York Times: “The Breadwinner reminds us how courageous and strong women are around the world.” She also added: “It is a book that all girls should read.”
Jolie Pitt said: “Millions of young girls like Parvana are growing up today under oppression or conflict, and helping their families to survive in those conditions. This story is a reminder of the immense value of their contribution.
“I am delighted to be working with a talented team of artists who I know will do justice to the richness, creativity and strength of Afghan culture and to little girls like Parvana.”
The film is still in its early stages with production expected to begin once the casting process is complete, with the release planned early in 2017.
Angelina Jolie Pitt teams up with Kilkenny animation firm