‘La Tete Haute’ to open Cannes Film Festival

For the first time, a female director will kick off the Cannes Film Festival.

The festival announced on 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 criticised 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.”

Joel and Ethan Coen will preside over this year’s jury. The film slate will be announced on Thursday, adding to the already announced out-of-competition entry Mad Max: Fury Road.

Cannes runs May 13-24.