For the first time in its 68 year history, the Festival de Cannes has selected a film directed by a female as their prestigious opening film. Emmanuelle Bercot’s latest effort, La Tête haute, will play at the Palais des Festivals on Wednesday 13 May, and will be released in French cinemas the same day.
The film follows young Malony and his life from the age of six through to the age of 18 as he is passed through social care in the North of France.
Bercot’s work has been part of the festival since 1997, when her short film Les Vacances won the Jury Prize. Her first feature, Clement, played as part of the Un Certain Regard selection in 2001.
“The choice of this film may seem surprising, given the rules generally applied to the Festival de Cannes Opening Ceremony,” explains Thierry Frémaux, General Delegate of the Event. “It is a clear reflection of our desire to see the Festival start with a different piece, which is both bold and moving. Emmanuelle Bercot’s film makes important statements about contemporary society, in keeping with modern cinema. It focusses on universal social issues, making it a perfect fit for the global audience at Cannes.”
The festival has previously announced that Mad Max: Fury Road will have its world premiere on May 14th, playing Out of Competition at the Palais.
The full programme is set to be announced on Thursday 16 April at 11am.
Editor of Frowning.us (SSJA 2014 Student Publication of the Year) & Film Writer for The Edinburgh Reporter
