Daniela Ruah is set to make her feature directing debut with Nowhere Boy, a film adaptation of Katherine Marsh’s young adult novel. The project marks a significant milestone for the longtime NCIS: Los Angeles star as she transitions further behind the camera.
Nowhere Boy follows Ahmed, a teenage refugee whose escape from a war zone alongside his father ends in tragedy during their journey to Europe. Left alone in Brussels, Ahmed’s hope of reaching England fades until he finds refuge inside a house occupied by an American family. There, he forms an unexpected friendship with Max, a 13-year-old boy living upstairs—a bond that reshapes his future.
The screenplay is being adapted by Anastasia Kousakis, who previously collaborated with Ruah on NCIS: Los Angeles. Producing the film is Matthew Baer, whose credits include the Oscar-nominated adaptation Unbroken. No production start date has been announced.
The film will be produced under Ruah’s Merkaba Films banner, which has several projects currently in development. During her 14-season run on NCIS: Los Angeles, Ruah also directed multiple episodes, laying the groundwork for her move into feature filmmaking.