Natalie Portman is set to direct and star in a film adaptation of Israeli author AMOS OZ's globally acclaimed autobiography. A TALE OF LOVE AND DARKNESS recounts Oz's experiences growing up surrounded by the fighting in Jerusalem which later led to the foundation of an independent Israel. A spokesperson for Jerusalem Capital Studios says, "JCS has met with Portman to discuss the possibility of her participating in and directing a film version of the book." The LEON actress, 25, is keen to play the role of Oz's mother, who committed suicide when he was young. Portman was born in Jerusalem and can speak Hebrew fluently.