'I was on billboards all over Ireland': Child scouted from direct provision centre to star in film

Set to be released in the coming days, the story centres around two little girls whose worlds collide to form an unbreakable friendship

Nine-year-old Bitania Ayele, right, with her mother Lemlem Gelaw and her 20-month-old sister Maya Tieman at her home in Killorglin Co Kerry. Since joining the Lewis Talent Agency, Bitania has secured several high-profile screen and photographic gigs. Pictures: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

A direct provision centre is the last place one might expect to be scouted by a talent agent. However, that was exactly what happened to Bitania Ayele. 

Bitania was discovered while participating in drama classes alongside other children at Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre in Cork.