A Secret Heart
| A Secret Heart | |
|---|---|
| French | Cœur secret |
| Directed by | Tom Fontenille |
| Written by | Tom Fontenille Valentine Bonnaz |
| Produced by | Martin Bertier Helen Olive |
| Starring | Lilou Fontenille |
| Cinematography | Tom Fontenille |
| Edited by | Marie Bottois |
| Music by | Camille Delafon |
Production company | 5 à 7 Films |
| Distributed by | Météore Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 88 minutes |
| Country | France |
| Language | French |
A Secret Heart (French: Cœur secret) is a 2026 French documentary film directed by Tom Fontenille.[1] It follows the filmmaker relationship with his own father, Patrice, following the passing of his wife Yolande.
The film had its world premiere at the ACID section of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on 14 May,[2] where it was nominated for the Queer Palm and the L'Œil d'or.[3]
Premise
[edit]Tom Fontenille documents his strained relationship with his father Patrice, who initially becomes withdrawn and uncommunicative following the death of his wife Yolande; however, after Fontenille unexpectedly discovers the secret cross-dressing that his father has been trying to hide, their relationship is transformed and deepened as Patrice embarks on the process of coming out as Lilou, a transgender woman.[4]
Release
[edit]The film premiered in the ACID stream at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival,[2] where it was in contention for the Queer Palm and the L'Œil d'or.[3]
References
[edit]- ↑ Ben Dalton, "Lightdox acquires Cannes ACID selection ‘A Secret Heart’ for world sales". Screen Daily, 1 May 2026.
- 1 2 Georg Szalai, "‘A Secret Heart’ Chronicles a Family’s Healing and the Metamorphosis of a Woman Called Lilou, the Director’s Father". The Hollywood Reporter, May 13, 2026.
- 1 2 "Cannes 2026: Un Festival plus queer que jamais". Écrain Noir, May 12, 2026.
- ↑ Nick Cunningham, "Cannes ACID: A Secret Heart by Tom Fontenille". Business Doc Europe, 20 May 2026.
External links
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- 2026 films
- 2026 documentary films
- 2026 LGBTQ-related films
- French LGBTQ-related documentary films
- French-language documentary films
- Transgender-related documentary films
- 2026 French films
- French trans women-related films
- 2020s French film stubs
- LGBTQ-related documentary film stubs
- Transgender-related film stubs