Elise in the swim for 'PDR'

Thesp to star opposite Howard

By PAMELA MCCLINTOCK

Elise

Kimberly Elise has been cast as the female lead opposite Terrence Howard in Lionsgate's inner-city sports drama "P.D.R."

South African musicvid and commercials director Sunu Gonera will helm the pic, based on the true story of Philadelphia swim coach Jim Ellis. Film, from a screenplay by Michael Gozzard, Kevin M. Smith and Mills Goodloe, also stars Bernie Mac.

Ellis fixed an abandoned city pool in one of Philadelphia's toughest neighborhoods and recruited African-American youths to join his team, which went on to win the state championship.

Producers are Paul Hall, Patrick Rizzotti and Brett Forbes.

Elise, who currently stars in CBS skein "Close to Home," starred in features "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" and "The Manchurian Candidate."