French actress-director Emmanuelle Bercot’s “La Tete Haute,” starring Catherine Deneuve, was selected to open the Cannes Film Festival on May 13.

    This marks the first time a film from a female director will launch the annual event. Organizers of the Cannes festival have been criticized for not putting forward more female-directed films.

    Bercot says she’s honored by the selection.

    “I’m very happy and honored that my film was chosen to compete here at the festival, which is one of the most important film festivals in the world. And to be here with Catherine is great.”

    “La Tete Haute” tells the story of a juvenile delinquent’s* path through childhood.

    The rest of this year’s rundown for Cannes will be announced tomorrow. This year’s festival runs from May 13 to 24.(SD-Agencies)