Charlize Theron to Protest for Boyfriend's Directorial Debut  10/25/06

Charlize Theron is set to star in boyfriend Stuart Townsend's directorial debut - and she'll be bringing a slew of famous friends to the set.

The Irish actor has written the screenplay for The Battle in Seattle, which is based on the protests and riots surrounding the 1999 World Trade Organization meeting in Washington state, and will direct the project when it goes before cameras next month (NOV06).

As well as Theron, the film will feature Outkast star Andre Benjamin, Ray Liotta and Woody Harrelson.

Townsend will use actual footage from the rioting, which was declared a state of emergency, to tell his story, which will focus on the lives of protestors, politicians, police and Seattle locals and how they were affected by the incident.