Charlize Theron has signed on to star in and produce the indie drama, Ferris Wheel.

Bill Maher is making his feature directing debut on a script by Zac Stanford. The film also stars Nick Stahl, AnnaSophia Robb, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Hopper and Deborra-Lee Furness. The film follows an 11-year-old girl's struggle to come to terms with her mother's abandonment, Variety says.

Shooting for Ferris Wheel begins in Canada in November.