It's not the greatest historical note to kick a festival off with, but the opening night film at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival will be the first directed by a woman since 1987.

Emmanuelle Bercot, best known for 2001's “Clément” and co-writing 2011's “Polisse,” returns to Cannes with “La Tête haute” (“Heads Up”) which follows the lifestory of Malory from the age of 6 to 18.  This “Boyhood”-esque tale features different actors playing Malory, but Rod Paradot portrays him for a majority of the film.  Catherine Deneuve, Benoît Magimel, Sara Forestier round out the cast.

Diane Kurys was the last woman to helm a opening night film, “A Man in Love,” 28 years ago.

Thierry Frémaux, General Delegate of the Festival remarked, “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.”

“La Tête haute” will open Cannes on Wednesday, May 13.  That's the same day it will be released in French cinemas and moviegoers will be able to watch the Festival's Opening Ceremony before the premiere.

Bercot won the Award of the Youth in 2001 for “Clément” and “Les vacances” tied for Best Short Film in 1997.

The Festival previously announced that George Miller's “Mad Max: Fury Road” will screen at the festival on May 13.

The 68th Festival de Cannes will take place between May 13-24, 2015.