Daniela Ruah is making the leap from television director to feature filmmaker. The longtime NCIS: Los Angeles star is preparing her feature directing debut with Nowhere Boy, an adaptation of Katherine Marsh’s acclaimed young adult novel.
The story follows Ahmed, a teenage refugee whose journey to Europe ends in tragedy when his father dies along the way. Left alone in Brussels, Ahmed’s dream of reaching England begins to fade until he secretly takes refuge in a house shared by an American family. There, he forms an unexpected bond with Max, the family’s 13-year-old son—a friendship that offers both boys a new sense of direction.
The screenplay is being adapted by Anastasia Kousakis (NCIS: Los Angeles), with Matthew Baer (Unbroken) producing. A production start date has yet to be announced.
The project will be produced under Ruah’s Merkaba Films banner, which has multiple titles currently in development. Ruah previously directed several episodes during the 14-season run of NCIS: Los Angeles, marking a natural progression into feature filmmaking.