A TEENAGE film-maker from Newport is hoping to walk down the red carpet with some of Hollywood's biggest stars after his film was shortlisted among the runners for a special BAFTA award.

Eighteen-year-old actor and film-maker Darragh Mortell's 60-second film is in the running to represent Wales at the prestigious British Film Academy Awards next month.

And if Darragh, from Allt-yr-yn, beats off competition from four other Welsh film-makers he will attend the glitzy awards bash at London's Royal Opera House along with stars like Keira Knightley and George Clooney.

The Sixty Seconds of Fame competition is designed to provide a platform for aspiring film-makers at the high profile event.

The regional finalists will be judged by a panel of top industry experts, and the winning film will be broadcast to millions on the night.

The former Caerleon Comprehensive pupil, who has already achieved success as a child actor with a starring role in the CBeebies drama The Story of Tracy Beaker, has been making films since he was 16.

Darragh's film, entitled "The World is a Playground", gives a glimpse into the near future, where two warring factions come together to bury their differences.

It features two men meeting to discuss conciliation as carefree children play around them with the horrifying sounds of warfare.

It follows the competition theme "Unite" and was filmed entirely at a Cardiff playground.

Darragh himself stars in the short film, along with a friend from his film course at Coleg Glan Hafren and two local youngsters.

He said: "Being short-listed by the Welsh judges was a huge thrill. I love making films, and getting through to the next round of the competition was a big encouragement to me.

"I'm very excited and nervous because I really want this."

He said he wanted to make a film about how current international conflicts affect everyone but at the same time have little impact on our lives.

Cast your vote now! Each of the five shortlisted films will be shown on BBC Wales News this week, with Darragh's being shown tonight.

Members of the public can view the shortlisted films and vote for their favourite on the Bafta website. Click here to view the film.