Jacob Estes' acclaimed dramaMean Creek will launch the 2004Los Angeles Film Festival's new Straight Out Of Cannes section, announcedyesterday (June 8).

Director of programmingRachel Rosen said in recent years festival organisers had discussed the idea ofa new strand featuring Croisette hits, adding: "Mean Creek is a hidden treasure that we look forward to showcasingat this year's festival."

No other titles have beenannounced yet, however it is understood organisers are keen to expand thesection and provide a number of companion pieces for the solitary Mean Creek.

As it is several Cannes hitsare already set to screen in other festival sections, including Tarnation and Dear Frankie.

Mean Creek concerns a fateful river trip by a group of childrenand stars Rory Culkin, Josh Peck, Scott Mechlowicz, Trevor Morgan and CarlySchroeder. Paramount Classics will release in the US on Aug 20.