The Cannes Film Festival officially opened on Wednesday with the premiere of Standing Tall – La Tete Haute.

It has been described as a stirring drama about the juvenile justice system as seen through the experiences of one boy from the age of six through to 18. The boy is played by newcomer Rod Paradot already winning plaudits for his performances.

Much of the focus has also been on one of the co-stars, the French legend and now veteran of the silver screen Catherine Deneuve.

“I think the fact they chose this film to open the festival is also a statement from the Festival in a year that has been quite difficult in Europe and especially in France. I think it’s a useful film, it tells a very special destiny and I find it very interesting that a big festival such as the Cannes Film Festival opens with such a film which is more an art film than a movie for a wider audience,” she told reporters.

“Standing Tall” follows the path of a young delinquent through the French youth judici