OSCAR-NOMINATED short film The Silent Child, starring Swindon's own Maisie Sly, will be screened at the Swindon Arts Centre on Monday February 19 at 6pm and 7pm.

Profoundly deaf 10-year-old Maisie Sly plays Libby, a little girl born to a hearing family who struggle to communicate with their daughter.

Libby becomes increasingly withdrawn until a social worker, played by former Hollyoaks star Rachel Shenton, steps in to help Libby and her family connect with each other.

The 30-minute short film was written by Rachel and directed by Chris Overton to raise awareness of the importance of British sign language and the isolation deaf children can feel.

It is one of five competing in the Best Live Action Short Film category at this year's Academy Awards and has received critical acclaim at film festival screenings all over the world.

Maisie herself won the best actress award at the Rhode Island International Film Festival last year - an impressive result for a youngster in her first ever acting role.

Maisie, Rachel, Chris, and Maisie's proud mum Elizabeth will be jetting off to LA in March to attend the Oscars.

Maisie's dad Gilson said: "The journey we have been on as a family with Maisie but also as part of The Silent Child crew has been amazing.

"Being a family where all of us are deaf, the personal and emotional attachment and investment we have to The Silent Child is massive and it's important to get the message out there."

Tickets cost £6 each from swindontheatres.co.uk For more information about the film, visit thesilentchildmovie.com