Daniela Ruah is far from slowing down after NCIS: Los Angeles. In fact, she’s just getting started.
The actress, who became a global fan favorite as Special Agent Kensi Blye, is preparing to make her feature film directing debut with Nowhere Boy, an adaptation of Katherine Marsh’s young adult novel. The project marks a major creative milestone for Ruah, who has spent years quietly sharpening her skills behind the camera.
During her time on NCIS: LA, Ruah directed six episodes of the CBS hit before expanding her directing portfolio with episodes of NCIS, NCIS: Hawai‘i, and The Equalizer. Nowhere Boy will be her first full-length film as a director.
The story centers on Ahmed, a teenage refugee whose journey to Europe turns tragic after the death of his father. Alone in Brussels and with his dream of reaching England slipping away, Ahmed takes refuge in a house occupied by an American family. A chance encounter with 13-year-old Max sparks an unlikely friendship that ultimately changes both of their lives.
Ruah is also returning to acting in the upcoming film And Then She Was Gone, reuniting with Natalia del Riego, who portrayed her daughter on NCIS: LA. Based on Karen McQuestion’s novel The Moonlight Child, the thriller follows a former foster teen and her guardian as they uncover a disturbing mystery tied to the girl next door.
“I was immediately drawn to both McQuestion’s book and Justin’s screenplay,” Ruah shared. “I’m excited to keep telling great stories—this time in a new role.”