After more than a decade in front of the camera, NCIS: Los Angeles star Daniela Ruah is stepping into a new creative chapter. The actress is set to make her feature film directing debut with Nowhere Boy, an adaptation of the acclaimed young adult novel by Katherine Marsh.
The film tells the story of Ahmed, a teenage refugee fleeing war-torn conflict with his father. When tragedy strikes during their journey to Europe, Ahmed is left alone in Brussels, his dream of reaching England slowly slipping away. Forced into hiding inside a house occupied by an American family, Ahmed forms an unexpected friendship with Max, a 13-year-old boy living upstairs. Their bond becomes a turning point, offering hope, connection, and a new sense of direction amid uncertainty.
The adaptation is being written by Anastasia Kousakis, who previously worked alongside Ruah on NCIS: Los Angeles. Producing duties fall to Matthew Baer, whose credits include Unbroken, the Oscar-nominated adaptation produced by Angelina Jolie and Universal Pictures. A production start date has not yet been announced.
Nowhere Boy will be produced under Ruah’s own banner, Merkaba Films, which currently has multiple projects in development. Ruah recently concluded a 14-year run on NCIS: Los Angeles, during which she also directed several episodes—experience that helped pave the way for her transition into feature filmmaking.
In addition to her directing debut, Ruah recently starred in the Portuguese-language HBO Max miniseries O Grito and is set to reunite later this year with former NCIS: Los Angeles co-star Natalia del Riego in the mystery film And Then She Was Gone.
Ruah is represented by Gersh and Entertainment 360.