Jolie and Hayek Dazzle at TIFF with "Without Blood" Premiere

On September 9, 2024, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) witnessed a surge of excitement as Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek graced the red carpet for the premiere of "Without Blood." This event marked a significant moment for the festival, which has been a cornerstone of the international film scene since its inception in 1976.

"Without Blood," Angelina Jolie's fifth directorial effort, delves into the enduring impact of conflict through a narrative centered on a meeting between a victim and a perpetrator years after the events that connected them. The film, adapted from Alessandro Baricco's novel, showcases Jolie's evolution as a filmmaker, building on her extensive experience in humanitarian work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador since 2001.

Salma Hayek, the first Mexican actress to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, takes on the lead role in the film. Her casting is a testament to the strong bond she formed with Jolie during their collaboration on Marvel Studios' "Eternals" in 2021, part of the highest-grossing film franchise in history.

The film's production took place at Rome's Cinecitta Studios, the largest film studio in Europe, adding a layer of cinematic history to the project. Demian Bichir, who comes from a renowned family of Mexican actors, stars opposite Hayek. Bichir, who earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in 2011, described his role in "Without Blood" as one of his most challenging to date.

"Now that I've seen the film completely, it's a beautiful piece of art."

The premiere at TIFF follows Jolie's recent success at the Venice Film Festival, where she garnered acclaim for her portrayal of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín's "Maria." This dual success underscores Jolie's versatility as both an actor and director.

"Without Blood" primarily unfolds within a single room, interspersed with flashback sequences, creating an intimate exploration of memory and the cyclical nature of violence. This narrative structure allows for a deep dive into the characters' psyches, reminiscent of the intense character studies found in telenovelas, where both Hayek and Bichir began their careers.

Salma Hayek's involvement in the project adds to her impressive repertoire, which includes her portrayal of Frida Kahlo in the 2002 biopic "Frida," her role in the true-crime drama "House of Gucci" (2021), and her voice work in the animated feature "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" (2022).

While a general release date for "Without Blood" is yet to be announced, Fremantle, one of the world's largest content creators and distributors, will handle the film's distribution. This partnership promises to bring Jolie's poignant exploration of war's aftermath to a global audience, continuing the tradition of thought-provoking cinema that TIFF has championed for nearly five decades.