Jolie and Hayek Dazzle at TIFF with 'Without Blood'

Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek thrilled audiences at the Toronto International Film Festival with the premiere of 'Without Blood,' a drama exploring the aftereffects of war. Directed by Jolie and featuring Hayek and Demian Bichir, the film delves into themes of violence, revenge, and memory, largely set in a single room.

Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek sent movie fans into a frenzy at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday when the two megastars walked the red carpet for 'Without Blood,' a parable about the cycle of violence, revenge, and memory.

The movie, which is Jolie's fifth credit as director, explores the horrors of war through an encounter between a victim and perpetrator long afterwards. Jolie cast Hayek, a close friend, as her leading lady, and Demian Bichir, who like Hayek starred in Mexican telenovelas before Hollywood. Their collaboration offers a poignant narrative on war's impact.

Jolie and Hayek developed a close bond during Marvel Studios' 'Eternals,' and their friendship has endured, adding depth to their creative partnership. 'Without Blood,' adapted from Alessandro Baricco's novel, is set post-conflict and shot primarily at Rome's Cinecitta Studios, employing flashbacks for narrative depth.

Bichir, nominated for an Academy Award for 2011's 'A Better Life,' described his role in 'Without Blood' as one of his most challenging. He praised the film as a beautiful piece of art and highlighted Hayek's continuous growth as an artist. The release date for 'Without Blood' remains unconfirmed, with Fremantle managing its distribution.

(With inputs from agencies.)