Cannes to open with female director's work for first time since 1987

The 68th Cannes film festival will open with 'La Tete Haute' by Emmanuelle Bercot, the first female director to kick off the event since Diane Kurys in 1987.

The film starring Catherine Deneuve, is described as the "bold and moving" story of a juvenile delinquent called Malony from childhood through to adulthood, the Mirror reported.

The film is also the first French language opener since 2005.

Cannes general delegate Thierry Fremaux said that they wanted to start with a different piece, and Bercot's film "makes important statements about contemporary society, in keeping with modern cinema. It focuses on universal social issues, making it a perfect fit for the global audience at Cannes."

Last year it was Baz Lurhmann's 'The Great Gatsby' starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan which had opened the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

This year's Cannes jury members include American directors Joel and Ethan Coen, while Isabella Rossellini chairs the Un Certain Regard category's jury. The festival will begin from 13th May and run till to 24th May.