Angelina Jolie, the iconic actress and filmmaker, has once again taken the spotlight at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) with the premiere of her latest directorial work, Without Blood. More than just a professional achievement, this event was a family affair, with her son Pax playing a crucial behind-the-scenes role. As Jolie continues to solidify her legacy in film, her collaboration with her children adds another layer to her dynamic career.
A Special Bond: Pax’s Role in Without Blood
On September 8th, 2024, Angelina Jolie attended the TIFF premiere of her new drama Without Blood, a film that delves into the complexities of family, war, and revenge. What made this occasion even more special was the presence of her son Pax, who worked on the film alongside her. Pax, now 20 years old, was part of the assistant director team and played a key role in creating the Electronic Press Kit (EPK) for the film.
This collaboration is just one of the many instances in which Jolie has involved her children in her artistic projects. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Jolie expressed her joy that Pax had recovered from his recent e-bike accident and shared her pride in his contributions to the film. She also revealed that her eldest son, Maddox, 23, worked in the same department as Pax, further cementing the idea that filmmaking is becoming a family tradition for the Jolie-Pitt household.
The Premiere: A Night of Triumph
The TIFF screening of Without Blood was an emotional and triumphant moment. Jolie, alongside the stars of the film—Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir—participated in a Q&A session moderated by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey. The audience was captivated not only by the film’s intense narrative but also by the powerful synergy of the cast and crew.
After the screening, the event culminated in a standing ovation, with Pax joining the audience to celebrate his mother’s achievements. This public display of support was not just a professional acknowledgment but a personal, heartfelt moment between mother and son. Pax was seated near Salma Hayek’s husband, François-Henri Pinault, a reminder of the strong connections Jolie has fostered with her collaborators.
Without Blood: A Story of Family and War
Without Blood is an adaptation of Alessandro Baricco’s novel and brings to life a parable about family, revenge, and survival in a war-torn setting. The story centers on a doctor trying to protect his children from a group of gunmen bent on seeking revenge. The film’s dark and intense themes align with Jolie’s signature storytelling style, which often explores the emotional and psychological tolls of violence and trauma.
Salma Hayek, who has previously worked with Jolie on The Eternals, praised Jolie’s directorial skills, calling her “probably the best director I’ve ever worked with.” This praise underscores Jolie’s evolution from Oscar-winning actress to a celebrated director with a unique cinematic voice.
A Legacy of Collaboration with Her Children
Angelina Jolie’s work with Pax on Without Blood is not an isolated case. Jolie’s commitment to involving her children in her artistic endeavors has been evident throughout recent years. In 2022, she shared that working with her sons felt natural because a film crew, at its best, resembles a family. This sentiment reflects Jolie’s close-knit relationship with her children and her desire to nurture their talents.
Her youngest daughter, Vivienne, also joined the family business earlier in 2024 as a production assistant for the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of The Outsiders. In an interview with PEOPLE, Jolie praised Vivienne’s artistic sensibility, stating, “Viv is a young artist who focuses her efforts on her support of others.” As Jolie continues to push the boundaries of her career, it’s clear that her children are following in her footsteps.
Continuing Her Cinematic Journey
Without Blood marks another major milestone in Jolie’s ongoing journey as a filmmaker. In addition to this film, Jolie has recently made waves with Maria, a biographical drama where she stars as famed opera singer Maria Callas. The film premiered at both the Venice Film Festival and the Telluride Film Festival, earning critical acclaim. These projects, along with her collaboration with her children, highlight Jolie’s dedication to storytelling, both in front of and behind the camera.
Her ability to intertwine her personal and professional life sets her apart in the industry. Jolie’s willingness to work with her children is not just about family connections but also about fostering an environment where creativity thrives. By including Pax, Maddox, and Vivienne in her projects, she’s passing on a legacy of artistic exploration and collaboration.
Conclusion: A Family Affair, A Filmmaking Legacy
Angelina Jolie’s premiere of Without Blood at TIFF was more than just a celebration of her directorial achievements. It was a testament to the strong bonds she shares with her children, especially Pax, who played a pivotal role in the film’s production. Jolie’s career continues to evolve, and her collaboration with her children adds an intimate and personal dimension to her already impressive body of work.
As she embarks on new cinematic endeavors, including Maria and her role as a producer for The Outsiders, it’s clear that Jolie’s passion for storytelling remains as vibrant as ever. With her children by her side, the future of the Jolie-Pitt family in the world of film looks bright and promising.
