Angelina Jolie has booked her next directorial job after taking on a planned biopic about paleo-archaeologist Richard Leakey and his efforts to save elephants in Africa.

The actress has signed on to bring Eric Roth's Africa screenplay to the big screen, and she'll also co-produce the project.

Jolie will reteam with revered cinematographer Roger Deakins for the film after working with him on war drama Unbroken, which will be released at Christmas (14).

Fossil expert Leakey became a champion for the elephant, combating poaching in Africa.

Announcing her next project on Friday (19Sep14), Jolie said, "I've felt a deep connection to Africa and its culture for much of my life, and was taken with Eric's beautiful script about a man drawn into the violent conflict with elephant poachers who emerged with a deeper understanding of man’s footprint and a profound sense of responsibility for the world around him."

Jolie is currently filming By the Sea with her husband Brad Pitt in Malta.