British actress Julie Walters is in Cannes to attend the premiere of her new film Dancer - the movie-making debut of London stage director Stephen Daldry.

Set in northern England in 1974, it tells of a young boy who copes with the death of his mother and his brother's bullying to follow his dream of becoming a ballet dancer.

Written by Lee Hall, Dancer stars Walters and a cast of young actors, and has been developed by BBC Films, with help from the new Film Council.

BBC Films head David Thompson said he was thrilled Dancer had been chosen as the closing screening of the festival's Directors' Fortnight.

"It is another example of our commitment to backing the very best of British film talent, and we are particularly pleased as this is Stephen Daldry's first feature film," he added.

Until recently, Daldry was artistic director of the Royal Court Theatre in London.

Walters made her name performing comedy with Victoria Wood, and has also appeared in films such as Educating Rita, Personal Services and Buster.

Meanwhile, Mexican director Alejandro Inaturri won the critics week prize on Thursday with his debut feature Love's A Bitch (Amores Perros).

It also won a young critic's prize, and the Grand Rail d'Or - awarded by film enthusiasts who work on French railways.

Love's A Bitch is a bleak film about poverty and delinquency in Mexico City, which contains graphic scenes of dog fights.