'First They Killed My Father:' What's Behind Angelina Jolie's First Project After Divorce With Brad Pitt
2016 was a a controversial and tumultuous time for Angelina Jolie as her divorce with Brad Pitt shocked fans all over the world. After the divorce, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have both been very evasive and selective with their media appearances. However, a new year might mean a new start, even if it only refers to Angelina Jolie's new movie, "First They Killed My Father."
According to People, "First They Killed My Father" is considered to be a long-term passion project of Angelina Jolie. The upcoming film is based on the autobiography of Cambodian human rights activist and friend of Angelie Jolie, Loung Ung. The film focuses on the true story and portrays what really happened in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge communist party in the 1970s.
The Khmer Rouge era was a dark time for Cambodia, with more than two million people killed during the purge, including Loung Ung's family. "The heart of it is Loung's story, it's the story of a war through the eyes of a child, but it is also the story of a country," Angelina Jolie said.
The sense of authenticity in "First They Killed My Father" is very imminent, with purely Cambodian actors chosen to work in the film. Further, the language used throughout the movie is the native Khmer. Jolie reportedly insisted that all the actors in the film must be survivors or children of survivors of the genocide.
While some would think that choosing actors who are actual survivors or relatives of survivors of the genocide might seem a bit harsh, "First They Killed My Father" producer, Rithy Panh, believes otherwise. "In order to mourn we must speak," said Panh. "It's the possibility of using creation to reconstruct ourselves. Telling a story is also mourning, it's also moving on," he added.
According to Ace Showbiz, "First They Killed My Father" will hold its world premiere in Cambodia in Feb. 18, 2017. The film will then be made available worldwide via Netfliz.
The rich culture and history of Cambodia enthralled Angelina Jolie after filming "Tomb Raider" in 2000. The 41-year old multi-awared actress returned to Cambodia soon after as a volunteer for the United Nations. In 2002, she adopted her first child, Maddox, from an orphanage in Battambang, Cambodia.
