AN ISLE of Wight filmmaker met his hero at Tribeca Film Festival in New York — the actor Robert De Niro.

Arron Blake Simmonds, 31, wrote, produced, directed and co-starred in the short film His Hands, a silent psychological thriller, which was picked for the festival.

Tribeca was founded by De Niro and Arron was thrilled to meet him.

He said: "He was very respectful towards us, asking questions about our film and thanking us for being part of his festival.

"It was a great honour. A very pinch-yourself moment and one I will never forget. It was such an incredible experience.

"Having a film that you have worked so hard on, being selected to screen at the prestigious festival, you’d think it doesn’t get any better than that.

"But meeting your idol, it quite possibly does.

ast week to 4 totally sold out screenings to the point people were being turned away. Red carpets, interviews and great reviews were what welcomed Arron to Tribeca. It all went down very well and the American audience loved our film. “Very excited about the future” . Said Arron

Arron created the film with just £400.

He was born on the Island and went to Carisbrooke High School, performed in pantomimes at Medina Theatre and in plays at The Apollo Theatre in Newport, before moving to London to attend drama school, The Poor School.

Since graduating in 2011, Arron has enjoyed a successful career in film, TV and theatre.

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