AceShowbiz - Zoe Saldana is mixing business with pleasure to lead the cast of her artist husband Marco Perego's feature film directorial debut.

"The Avengers" star has signed on for "Keyhole Garden", about a man and woman whose romance is tested by "the divisiveness of life on America's southern border," reports Variety.

The story will be told through three separate but connected narratives, about a boy trying to save his undocumented friend from deportation, an immigration agent unintentionally dooming an ex, and a drug trafficker embarking on his final mission.

Perego co-wrote the script with Rick Rapoza, and will also serve as a producer on the project.

Production is set to begin in August.

Saldana and Perego wed in 2013 and are parents to three young sons.