An Arverne filmmaker is taking his dark thriller to the Cannes Film Festival in May.

Jamal Hodge's short film, "The Kind Ones," is making its world debut at the festival.

The story follows a teacher who tries to help a student who is abused by his parents.

Hodge says the movie has a surprising ending. It will be shown in the festival's short film corner.

"So, it's very exciting. And the opportunity is very exciting. It's going to be great to meet people there, to introduce myself as a filmmaker," Hodge said.

Hodge says after Cannes, he hopes to extend the movie into a full-length feature film or television series.