Kanye West's Cruel Summer premieres at Cannes

(Getty Images)

Kanye West and girlfriend Kim Kardashian lit up Cannes as the American rapper premiered his debut film.

The couple strolled down the red carpet at the world famous Palm Beach in the French Riviera resort where a small number had been invited to watch the screening of his short film Cruel Summer.

West, wearing jeans, a white T-shirt and white tuxedo, held reality TV star Kardashian's hand, who dazzled in a low-cut bronze and silver mini-dress and ankle boots, as they posed for photographers.

The pair did not speak to the press but two of the actresses in West's film, which is inspired by the new G.O.O.D music album of the same name, praised the rapper and his work in the tale of "West meets East".

Qatari actress Sarah A said Cruel Summer, which is a fusion of short film and art installation on an "immersive seven screen experience", told the tale of a blind princess in the Middle East who falls for a man and tries to help him through various challenges set by her parents so they can be together, as is tradition in the region.

She said: "It is a bridge from the East.

"This represents the East in a more beautiful way - it shows the beauty of the region and how most of the region is."

She is the first Qatari woman to be in a film but this was her first and last acting role, she said, which she only accepted because it was such a unique experience. She will now focus on a career in film producing.

Describing working with West, she said: "He was very easy going, very nice, very supportive - like the true definition of an artist."

West and Kardashian posed for photographers with the cast before making their way into the makeshift cinema - an elaborate red marquee overlooking the waterfront - for the premiere of the film.

Razane Jammal, who is from Beirut and plays the queen in Cruel Summer, said: "Kanye is unbelievable. Honestly, I was so pleasantly surprised.

"He's so calm, he's so professional, he knows what he's doing, he's very sharp, he's very sweet, he's so hard working.

"It was a very pleasant surprise."

She also said the project was a huge collaboration that "everybody can relate to".

She added: "I think it's not just about the story it's about the work behind it. It's about an experience."

Created by West's design organisation DONDA, Cruel Summer will remain open for public access for two days after this evening.

West has previously directed music videos for his music, including 2010's Runaway.

PA