Catherine Deneuve's latest movie, "La Tete Haute", will open next month's Cannes Film Festival, the organisers said Monday.

The French film -- whose title translates as "holding one's head high" -- tells the story of a juvenile delinquent, a social worker trying to save him, and a children's court judge.

It was made by Emmanuelle Bercot, who previously directed French screen icon Deneuve in a 2013 road-trip movie titled "On My Way".

The festival said in a statement it was the first time a female director has been given the prestigious opening night slot.

Cannes in the past has often tapped big-budget US productions to kick off the festival and give it some Hollywood glamour, such as "Grace of Monaco" with Nicole Kidman last year, and "The Great Gatsby" with Leonardo DiCaprio the year before.

Thierry Fremaut, the film festival's director, said this year's choice "may seem suprising" but reflected the event's aim of starting "with a different piece, which is both bold and moving".

The Cannes Film Festival will run from May 13 to 24.
Source: AFP