It seems somehow fitting that this year’s Cannes, which is already celebrating Ingrid Bergman, should select the first film by a female director to open the festival in 28 years. Emmanuelle Bercot’s **Standing Tall ** is that film.
While the films in the main selection categories for the festival have yet to be announced, we do know that Standing Tall will have its premiere on opening day, May 13, and arrives in French cinemas the same day. It’s also the first time in a few years that a high-profile release hasn't taken the opening night slot, following such recent examples as The Great Gatsby, Midnight In Paris and, er, Grace Of Monaco.
Standing Tall stars Catherine Deneuve, Benoît Magimel, Sara Forestier and Rod Paradot in the story of juvenile delinquent Malony, following his upbringing from childhood to adulthood, as a children’s judge and social worker try to save him.
“It is a clear reflection of our desire to see the festival start with a different piece, which is both bold and moving,” says festival general delegate Thierry Frémaux. “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.”
The festival runs from May 13-24 and we can expect the Official Selection in a couple of days.