A South Woodford woman has spoken of her delight after one of her films was picked to be shown at the world-famous Cannes Film Festival this week.


Kavita Pushkarna's short 'Zindagi Bahut Khoobsurat Hai' (Life is Beautiful), which she wrote and produced, is being premièred at the prestigious event in the French Riviera and will also be screened daily throughout it.


It is not the first taste of success for 43-year-old Mrs Pushkarna. In 2005 she helped her husband produce Bollywood hit 'Page 3', which went on to win three National Film Awards - the Indian equivalent of the Oscars.


She told the Guardian: "I was really excited to discover the film had been chosen, it's beyond belief.


"I've never been to Cannes or anything quite like it so I'm very excited about going".


Mrs Pushkarna, who grew up in South Woodford and attended Park School For Girls in Ilford, originally trained in law but got into film-making through her husband, producer Bobby Pushkarna.


The film marks his debut as a director and Mrs Pushkarna, who divides her time between living at her parents' home in the Drive and living in Mumbai, said the couple hope to make more movies together in future.


The 15-minute short tells the story of how a "cold and negative" man changes his outlook on life due to a series of events that happen in the space of 24 hours.


Festival organisers picked the film after a submission by Mrs Pushkarna, who describes it as a far cry from traditional Bollywood fare, which is known for its tradition of singing and colourful dance routines.


She added: "My husband and I are very pleased with the film. The idea for it came from him and he inspired me to write it.

"We are considering a theatrical release soon and Ilford [Cineworld] cinema is also planning to show it in June."