‘La Tete Haute’ to open Cannes Film Festival, first female-directed film to kick off fest
Posted April 13, 2015 10:44 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
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.
