Polly Jean Harvey has completed her first-ever acting role, starring in Hal Hartley's biblical espionage thriller The Book Of Life.

The cathartic singer/songwriter, known for her searing lyrics and blues-rock backings, plays Magdalena, Jesus Christ's bodyguard, in the 60-minute film, part of a series of shorts commissioned by ARTE, a French and German arts channel.

Harvey has also written new music for the movie, which features Martin Donovan as Jesus Christ. The Book Of Life is scheduled to premiere in France this fall, although it will likely be shown at film festivals before then.

In addition, Harvey's as-yet-untitled fifth studio album, currently in its finishing stages, will be released by Island later this year. Harvey and Hartley struck up a friendship when he used her single "Water," from her 1995 set To Bring You My Love, in his film The Amateur.