Delvon Roe, who began a professional acting career as his Michigan State basketball career was cut short by knee injuries, is making his feature-film debut in the romantic drama "Love and Honor," which premieres today at the Cannes Film Market.

Roe spent last summer

filming scenes from the movie, which was formerly entitled "AWOL." Liam Hemsworth ("The Hunger Games") stars in the Vietnam War-era film about a soldier who secretly returns home from war to win back his girlfriend. The 6-foot-8 Roe plays the role of Isaac.

Lightning Entertainment announced last week it had acquired the international sales rights to "Love and Honor" and would introduce it to buyers in Cannes.

"The film's setting and poignant storyline is an outstanding vehicle for this gifted cast, a truly talented ensemble of young actors right on the cusp of stardom," Lightning Entertainment president Robert Beaumont said in a statement.

Roe announced his retirement from the Michigan State basketball team in September, citing degenerative knee pain that had bothered the forward after coming out of high school as one of the top recruits in the nation.

The 22-year-old Roe participated in Senior Day ceremonies and graduated from Michigan State this month after majoring in theatre. He wrote on Twitter that he is in Los Angeles working in the basketball industry and would pursue a career in coaching if acting did not work out.

Email Diamond Leung at dleung@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/diamond83.