Angelina Jolie to donate film profits to educating Afghan girls

Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie is donating all profits derived from her role as executive producer of The Breadwinner towards the education of Afghan girls.

Ms Jolie has teamed up with Irish production company Cartoon Saloon to make the animated feature film, which tells the story of Parvana, a young girl living under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, who must disguise herself as a boy and become the breadwinner of the family when her father is unfairly imprisoned.

Paul Young of Kilkenny-based Cartoon Saloon said Ms Jolie is motivated by the subject matter of the film, and will give any money she makes toward educating girls in Afghanistan.

“She has a personal attachment as she already helps a school for Afghan girls,” he said.

Ms Jolie will serve as an executive producer alongside Gerry Shirren of Kilkenny-based Cartoon Saloon and Academy Award-nominated producers Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer.

The film is being developed with support from the Irish Film Board, and will be directed by Cartoon Saloon's Nora Twomey.

“The production marks a further exploration for Cartoon Saloon into challenging subject matter and strong, exciting characters,” said Ms Twomey.

Oppression

The Breadwinner

is based on the internationally acclaimed young adult novel of the same name by Canadian author Deborah Ellis.

Ms Jolie 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.”