The directors behind a movie based on the acclaimed local theatre play, Tshepang, are hoping the Cannes Film Festival will help their story reach a wider audience.

'And There in the Dust', is a film based on the rape of baby Tshepang which took place in 2002.

It is directed by Lara Foot Newton and Gerard Marx.

It is one of six short films from around the world selected by the cinema du monde or world cinema, Pavillion at Cannes.

This will help the creators make a feature film that will hopefully get its message about child abuse to a bigger audience.

"They give us a platform and a forum," said Marx.

Marx says they have approached the sensitive matter in a unique way using stop-frame animation.

Another animator Michael Rix is also in Cannes thanks to the French Embassy.