Angelina Jolie is set to mark her fifth directorial venture with the film adaptation of Alessandro Barico's Italian novel "Without Blood," starring Salma Hayek.

Jolie, who also serves as the writer and producer of the movie, is currently in Italy as the filming activities are about to commence. The cast and crew of the film will head to the regions of Puglia and Basilicata in Southern Italy and in Rome to complete the production, Entertainment Tonight reported.

The movie, which also stars Mexican actor and Academy Award nominee Demián Bichir, is Jolie's first directorial project under the three-year filmmaking contract she signed with the production company Fremantle earlier this year.

"Without Blood" tells the story of Nina who seeks revenge and healing after witnessing the brutal murder of her father who was accused of hideous war crimes.

"I'm honored to be here in Italy to bring this very special material to film, and to have been entrusted by Alessandro Baricco with the adaptation of his book, with its unique poetry and emotion and way of looking at war, and the questions it poses about what we search for after trauma or loss or injustice," Jolie said in a statement released to the outlet.

Jennifer Mullin, Global CEO at Fremantle, also shared her excitement for the project. "We are excited to work with [Jolie] and the incredible international team she has assembled," the outlet quoted her as saying. "This project underlines Fremantle's ongoing commitment to producing high-quality feature films and original dramas working with the very best talent from across the globe."

In March, Jolie struck a three-year deal with Fremantle which allows her to be involved in projects with the "freedom to tell important stories and bring them to a global audience."

"I am excited to be working with such a passionate and forward-looking team that has an international perspective," Jolie said at the time, according to Deadline.

Mullin then expressed her support for the actress-director. "Fremantle and Angelina share the passion and ambition of telling compelling stories from everywhere in the world, for everyone in the world," the CEO said, as per the outlet. "We embrace and support the creative independence of our partners and look forward to working with Angelina to bring powerful and unique stories to a global audience."

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, once Tinseltown's highest profile couple, remain locked in a custody battle over their six children
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, once Tinseltown's highest profile couple, remain locked in a custody battle over their six children AFP / Robyn BECK
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