Angelina Jolie to direct Africa

Africa will be based on Eric Roth’s screenplay about paleo-archaeologist Richard Leakey’s battle with ivory poachers that threaten the existence of the African elephant population.

Skydance head David Ellison will produce alongside Jolie, Dana Goldberg and John Peters. Jolie will reunite with her Unbroken cinematographer Roger Deakins.

“I’ve felt a deep connection to Africa and its culture for much of my life, and was taken with Eric’s beautiful script about a man drawn into the violent conflict with elephant poachers who emerged with a deeper understanding of man’s footprint and a profound sense of responsibility for the world around him,” said Jolie.

Jolie is currently in production on By The Sea for Universal, which she is directing from her original script. She will star alongside husband Brad Pitt, Mélanie Laurent and Niels Arestrup.