Angelina Jolie: Difret is inspiring

Angelina Jolie has taken an executive producer role on an Ethiopian movie.

The star has been working behind the camera more and more of late. She directed 2011's In the Land of Blood and Honey, which was set during the Bosnian war, and is currently helming Unbroken, about an Olympic runner taken prisoner during World War II.

It's now been confirmed she is to executive produce Difret and will also have a presentation credit.

"This film is a strong moment for art in Ethiopia," she said in a statement, according to Deadline.

"It is inspiring to see such an important story so beautifully illustrated with such creative talent."

Difret follows a girl and female lawyer who are determined to bring attention to the Ethiopian tradition of telefa - marriage by abduction.

"It draws out the richness of Ethiopian culture and shows how important legal advances can be made while respecting local culture," Angelina continues. "It is a story that gives hope for Ethiopia’s future, and for other countries where countless girls grow up without the protection of laws that shield them and their bodies, and shows how the courage of brave individuals can awaken the conscience of a society."

The film will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 18, where it is one of the releases in the running for the World Cinema Dramatic Competition.

Difret is directed by Zeresenay Berhane Mehari.

The 2014 Sundance Film Festival starts on January 16 and finishes up on the 26th. It is held in Park City, Utah.