‘La Tete Haute’ to open Cannes Film Festival, first female-directed film to kick off fest

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FILE - In this Feb. 15, 2013 file photo, director Emmanuelle Bercot arrives for the screening of the film "On My Way" at the 63rd edition of the Berlinale, International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany. The Cannes Film Festival announced Monday, April 13, 2015, that “La Tete Haute,” a French drama directed by Bercot, will open the 68th Cannes Film Festival on May 13. The film is about the upbringing of a juvenile delinquent and stars Catherine Deneuve. (AP Photo/Gero Breloer, File)

NEW YORK, N.Y. – For the first time, a female director will kick off the Cannes Film Festival.

The festival announced Monday that “La Tete Haute,” a French drama directed by Emmanuelle Bercot, will open the 68th Cannes Film Festival on May 13. The film is about the upbringing of a juvenile delinquent and stars Catherine Deneuve.

The French Riviera festival has sometimes been criticized for not programming more female-directed films. Cannes head Thierry Fremaux said the choice “is a clear reflection of our desire to see the festival start with a different piece, which is both bold and moving.”

This year’s jury is being presided over by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film slate will be announced Thursday, adding to the already announced out-of-competition entry “Mad Max: Fury Road.”

Cannes runs May 13-24.

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