Universal Pictures and Walden Media released a statement on Tuesday announcing that Angelina Jolie will direct “Unbroken”, a movie inspired by Laura Hillenbrand’s book of the same name. The 37-year-old actress-turned-director had to compete with some of the greatest names of the industry before she obtained the right to direct the movie, says Deadline.

It’s no longer a secret that Angelina Jolie is willing to give up acting in favor of directing. Or the fact that she is a dedicated humanitarian. These particular assets have helped Jolie win the competition for the production of the movie “Unbroken”, a screening of Laura Hillenbrand’s novel about Louis Zamperini, the Olympian-turned-WWII POW.

After making her directorial debut with the film “In The Land Of Blood And Honey”, the mother of six, stated that she is ready to take up a new challenge as a director. She found Laura Hillenbrand’s story particularly interesting and was deeply impressed by Louis Zamperini’s achievements in the WWII.  “I read Laura Hillenbrand’s brilliant book, and I was so moved by Louie Zamperini’s heroic story, I immediately began to fight for the opportunity to make this film,” the actress explained.

The new project is all the more important for Angelina Jolie as it will mark her debut as a director on a major studio film. Universal Studio’s reps, Adam Fogelson and Donna Langley reassured the public that it was not Angelina Jolie’s fame that determined them to hire her. On the contrary, the studio has taken into account the actress’ ability “to illustrate the strength in human spirit” which they think it is essential for the production of “Unbroken”. Jolie’s war movie “In The Land Of Blood And Honey” has also influenced the decision of the studio.

William Nicholson is the new screenwriter of “Unbroken” after Richard LaGravanese produced an earlier draft. The new film is expected to make a hit judging by Nicholson’s past works, including the “Gladiator” and “Les Miserables”.  No word yet on the release date of the movie, but production will most likely begin next year.