'A Secret Heart' makes its world premiere on May 14 at the ACID sidebar of the Cannes Film Festival, portraying a deeply personal family journey directed by Tom Fontenille.
Family Transformation Captured
The documentary explores the transformation of Lilou, a 64-year-old woman who was once Fontenille's father, chronicling her journey from secrecy to embracing life through DIY projects, gardening, and family time. The film captures the family's healing process and individual reinventions.
Behind the Scenes of 'A Secret Heart'
Fontenille, a 33-year-old French director, makes his feature debut with 'A Secret Heart', handling both cinematography and writing alongside Valentine Bonnaz. Marie Bottois edited the film, produced by 5A7 Films, with international sales managed by Lightdox.
The film's ACID website profile highlights the family's metamorphosis, stating, "Each member is forced to readjust their place and confront buried issues."
Personal Insights from Fontenille
Before the premiere, Fontenille shared insights with 'THR'. Initially, filming was not intended to become a movie but rather a way to address family difficulties, including his mother's death. His father, initially reluctant, grew to appreciate the footage, which included discovering women's clothing in his father's wardrobe.
Fontenille recounted, "When my father saw my footage, he told me: 'You can film me when I’m wearing women’s clothing,'" a pivotal moment that inspired the film's development.
A Legacy of Awareness
Working on 'A Secret Heart' for five years, Fontenille completed the film after his father's passing. Although Lilou did not see the final cut, she reviewed footage and provided feedback, expressing concern about dialogue.
The Cannes premiere represents a significant milestone for Fontenille. "We couldn’t hope for anything better," he told 'THR', acknowledging the film's potential impact on awareness and family dynamics. "It was very important for her to show this film," he said, reflecting on his father's desire to use the film as a platform for awareness and family healing.
Fontenille believes the film's universal themes will resonate widely, ensuring his father's legacy endures.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/cannes-acid-a-secret-heart-documentary-film-interview-2026-1236593282/
