The Cannes Film Festival has announced that Emmanuelle Bercot's film "La Tete Haute" will open the crosette.

The movie marks the second time that a woman-directed film opens the festivities. The first time was in 1987, when Diane Kurys' "A Man in Love" inaugurated Cannes. It also marks the first time in four years that an American film does not open the festival.

Director of the festival Thierry Fremaux said, "The choice of this film may seem surprising, given the rules generally applied to the Festival de Cannes Opening Ceremony. 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 focuses on universal social issues, making it a perfect fit for the global audience at Cannes."

For years, the Cannes Film Festival has been criticized for choosing American films with A-List stars. For example, last year "Grace of Monaco," which stars Nicole Kidman and Tim Roth, opened the festival, and in 2013, "The Great Gatsby," starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan, opened.

The A-list openings have included "Midnight in Paris," "Moonrise Kingdom," "Blindness" and "My Blueberry Nights."

"La Tete Haute" stars Catherine Deneuve, who is one of France's most prestigious and internationally celebrated actresses. However, her star power does not get close to the likes of a Kidman or a DiCaprio.

The festival has also been criticized for its selections which have not always been the most acclaimed. "Grace of Monaco" received an array of terrible reviews last year while "The Great Gatsby" received mixed reviews. "Blindness" and "My Blueberry Nights" were scattered with mixed reception.

"La Tete Haute" tells the story of a juvenile delinquent, Malony, and his upbringing from childhood to adulthood, as a children's judge and social worker try to save him. The film will open in French theaters the same day it opens the festival.

The 68th edition of the Festival de Cannes will take place from May 13-24 and the official selection will be announced on April 16.