A short film by Isle of Man production company Solus is to feature at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

Written and produced by Alistair Audsley the film Leni. Leni has been selected for the Short Film Corner, an out-of-competition showcase for short films from around the world.

Filmed at Ealing Studios in 2015 Leni. Leni is a surreal biopic about Leni Riefenstahl, one of the most controversial film directors of the 20th century, who became famous as Hitler’s propagandist. Directed by well-known British features director Adrian Vitoria (The Crew, Heist, Age of Heroes) and co-produced by Rosie Fellner of Rosebud Pictures, the film stars Hildegard Neil (Anthony and Cleopatra) and Russian star, Valeria Kozhevnikova.

Mr Audsley explained: ‘I’ve always found Leni a fascinating character in history; a genius filmmaker undone by her associations with the Third Reich.’

The story is based around Leni preparing for a famous interview she gave in 1993 at the UFA studios towards the end of her life. Left alone, she faces her inner demons: her younger self at different phases of her career.

He continued: ‘Casting was key as we had to have a younger version of Leni match with her older self and we were very fortunate to attach both Hildegard and Valeria. I think the film poster shows how perfectly matched they were and their performances were outstanding. It was a particular honour to work with Hildegard, who was a leading lady in the 1960s opposite the likes of Charlton Heston and Roger Moore - a real legend.

‘We also managed to attract a top-level feature film crew, with a couple of Oscar nominees and BAFTA winners and with Technicolour providing post-production, I’m delighted with the finished film. It’s very much a creative showcase for everyone involved and I have high hopes for the international film festival circuit.’

Photo - left to rightt - Leni.Leni director Adrian Vitoria; Valeria Kozhevnikova as the young Leni Riefenstahl and writer/producer Alistair Audsley.