Cannes: Opening Night Film ‘Standing Tall’ Bought by Cohen Media

Cohen Media Group has acquired all U.S. distribution rights to French social drama “Standing Tall,” the opening night selection for this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

The announcement was made early Friday by Cohen Media Group Chairman and CEO Charles S. Cohen. Cohen Media plans a theatrical release in late 2015.

Emmanuelle Bercot’s “Standing Tall” is the second female-helmed film to open the festival. It stars Catherine Deneuve and Rod Paradot, who plays a volatile and violent teen delinquent.

The French-language film follows Paradot’s character as he navigates the criminal justice system, aided by a child court judge (Deneuve) and a youth counselor, played by Benoit Magimel (“The Connection”).

Peter Debruge gave the film a positive review for Variety, calling it “an earnest homage to the unflagging dedication Gallic social workers put into ensuring that no child gets left behind.”

“‘Standing Tall’ is a film of great depth, social importance and it is ultimately a film of great optimism,” Cohen said.

It’s the second Cannes deal in two days for Cohen Media, which also bought rights to Turkish drama “Mustang” following its screening in the Directors’ Fortnight.

The “Standing Tall” deal was negotiated by Cohen Media’s John Kochman and Adeline Fontan Tessaur of Elle Driver.

Related stories

Cannes: RioFilme Announces 2015 Funding

Cannes Film Review: 'The Little Prince'

Cannes: Brazilian Film Commission Network Takes Market Bow

Get more from Variety and Variety411: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter