HILARY DUFF - DUFF TO PLAY TOURIST IN TRUE-LIFE FREEDOM TALE

Teen pop icon HILARY DUFF is set to test her accent skills after signing on to play a New Zealand tourist in a new movie. The SO YESTERDAY singer has been picked to star in THE EMANCIPATION OF JONNY opposite rising young actor LIAM AIKEN. The film is based on the true-life of 16-year-old director JONATHAN NGUYEN and surrounds the struggles of a teenager trying to break free from his strict parents. Duff will portray PIKI LITTLE, an 18-year-old New Zealander who helps Aiken's character escape. GREY'S ANATOMY and SIDEWAYS star SANDRA OH is also tipped for a role in the film, according to website Moviehole.net.