Penelope Cruz has joined Oscar-winning filmmaker Pedro Almodovar's upcoming directorial venture Madres paralelas (Parallel Mothers). Almodovar is also producing the project through his El Deseo banner.

Actors Aitana Sanchez-Gijon, Israel Elejalde, Milena Smit Julieta Serrano and Rossy de Palma are also part of the film's cast.

According to reports the movie is set to start production by the end of March in Spain.

"With Parallel Mothers I return to the female universe, to motherhood, to family. I speak of the importance of ancestors and descendants. The inevitable presence of memory. There are many mothers in my filmography, the ones that are part of this story are very different," Almodovar said in a statement.

The filmmaker said as a storyteller imperfect mothers "inspire" him the most and he is looking forward to starting the work on the film. "Penelope Cruz, Aitana Sanchez Gijon, and the young Milena Smit will play the three mothers in the film, accompanied by Israel Elejalde as the main male character. I also have the collaboration of my beloved Julieta Serrano and Rossy de Palma. Parallel Mothers will be an intense drama. Or so I hope," he said.