A SLOT in front of the judges at the famous Cannes Film Festival awaits a short film written, produced, directed by and starring Southampton people.

Silent Soul received a rapturous reception at its low-key premiere in the city centre's Sir James Matthews building last night.

Inspired by the life of home-grown popstar Craig David, Silent Soul charts the trials and tribulations of a Southampton teenager as he bids to become a pirate radio star.

The 13-minute short starred Shane Ritchie and former Eastenders star Howard Anthony and had a sound track produced by Mark Hill of the Artful Dodger.

But the real stars were all fresh off the streets of Southampton.

Luke Asabar, 21, from the St Mary's area of the city, who played the lead role of Mikey Macdonald, took on the part just half-an-hour before filming started when the initial actor failed to turn up for the shoot.

He said: "It is something I always wondered about and it was intriguing. I am really pleased with it."

The part is spurring him on to bigger things.

"This is the first of many for me," he said. "I want to go into music videos and do a full- length feature film in Southampton."

That news will delight writer/producer Richard Chor-ley, who aims to "demystify" film-making and encourage local youngsters to show off their talent.

He said: "As a project I am very pleased with it. I am proud of the fact that we managed to pull it off. It is a credit to the inner- city community and the city as a whole."

All of Silent Soul's music also comes courtesy of local talent such as Aaron Soul and MC Alastair as well as youngsters.

Howard Anthony, who used to play Alan Jackson in Eastenders, and played Mikey's father in the film, said: "It is a great achievement. It was done on a small budget and took a lot of energy and commitment."

The film, which was funded by grants from the government, will now be toured to a selection of international film festivals, including Cannes, next year.