A SHORT film on the Second World War, shot across Worcestershire, is to be screened at the world-famous Cannes Film Festival next week.

Calum Rhys, the founder of Worcester-based independent film production company, Smashing UK Productions, shot the short film, entitled Our Father, in August 2015 primarily in Malvern, with further scenes in Hanbury Woods, Croome Court and Wick.

The film stars Luke Goddard in the lead role, supported by Ross O'Hennessy, who has appeared in Hollyoaks, BBC's The Musketeers and Game of Thrones.

Mr Rhys will be going out to the famous French festival early next week ahead of the screening of the film, which will double as its world premiere, on Friday, May 20.

"I was shocked when I learned it had been chosen, apparently only a low percentage get picked," he said.

"It's been two years in post production - a long time - so it's exciting news."

Mr Rhys says he considers Our Father as his first major project, which has been shot on a budget of just £3,500.

The 16 minute film sees the Second World War experienced through the journey of Private Cole, exploring the contrasting nature between the innocence of childhood and the reality of war.

Mr Rhys said he was inspired to make a Second World War film as a 12-year-old, after watching The Great Escape.

He said: "I told my parents that one day I would make a Second World War film, bearing in mind this is whilst I was creating zero-budget action-comedy James Bond spoofs with toy guns.

"Our Father gave me a chance to focus on emotion and the importance of friendship, but also the opportunity to create a project on an immersive scale."

For more on the film visit smashingukproductions.com.