The 15-minute short film has been directed by Bristol-based Barry Hecker, who had the original idea for the story, and co-written with producer Carolyn Ratcliffe.

It focuses on Mary, a downtrodden secretary, to a philandering boss, whose office colleagues are a revoltingly smug yuppie-type and the office tart.

Strange things happen to Mary but the video game Space Invaders is central throughout.

Carolyn Ratcliffe and Barry Hecker are Bristol-based

"We've put a lot of work into this film," said Barry Hecker.

"Going to Cannes is a very exciting opportunity for us. I just hope someone believes in the project as much as we do."

Two-and-a-half years' devotion has gone into the film, which has been made by Red Cat Films in association with Bristol-based Films at 59.

All the actors and crew gave their time for nothing as there was only enough money to pay for equipment and locations.

Props and costumes were donated by Bristol firms.

It is shot on a new digital format with interactive elements designed to engage the audience.

Those watching on broadband will have the opportunity to choose scenes and change the film's direction.

Digital technology

The shift from film to the new technology is slowly catching on.

Bristol's Watershed Media Centre has a new digital projector which is one of only a handful in the country.

"The format is equivalent to film in terms of quality," Dick Penny from the Watershed told BBC Bristol.

"It not only affects how the film is shot, but also how it's distributed and exhibited and it'll affect how the interactive side is developed."

Search for investors

Space Invaders is the first part of a six-part series Barry Hecker hopes to make if more investors can be found.

The series will be called Inter-Action and is aimed at both digital cinemas as a feature film and DVD and broadband internet, as a more interactive experience.

"At the end of the day people judge you on what you have produced and I think we've produced a fantastic film and I hope we get lots of attention for it," said Mr Hecker.

Major stars of the movie world are in Cannes and, more importantly, the major producers and directors, who are scouting for new talent.

Getting their movie shown at the festival is a massive bonus and could lead to the financial backing the film desperately needs.