A 12-year-old Orpington schoolgirl has enjoyed her first taste of stardom after a short film she appeared in was shortlisted for an award at Cannes Film Festival.

Darrick Wood School pupil Halle Kidd played a leading role in Patriot, one of nine films shortlisted from more than 4,500 others across 100 countries for the Palme d’Or award.

Patriot – about a far-right group - was created by emerging British film-maker Eva Riley, who graduated from the National Film and Television School, this year.

Proud mum Lara Beck, aged 39, of Claywood Close, told News Shopper: “It doesn’t feel real to be honest.

“Halle’s never had any acting experience before but she was so natural with it.

“I don’t think she actually understands what a big deal it is.”

Set over a single afternoon, the 15-minute film tells the story of an 11-year-old girl Hannah, played by Halle, whose father leads a far-right group.

She wears an England flag and, when her father is rallying his followers for a London protest, is upset at being pushed out because she is too young.

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Halle Kidd, 12, playing Hannah in Patriot

Riding her bicycle into the countryside, she encounters a boy from the Roma community among migrant workers picking vegetables – a meeting that turns her world upside down.

Halle was chosen for the part about a year ago after joining agency Breathe Casting, which is run by her dance teacher, Sarah Holding.

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The film, originally written and directed by 28-year-old Ms Riley for her master’s degree, was eventually pipped to the post when the results were announced on May 24 by Lebanese director Ely Dagher’s production Waves ’98.

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Ms Beck added: “This has given Halle a great opportunity.

"I’m so proud of her and what she has achieved.

“She now has a passion for acting that she never really realised that she had within her.”