A Secret Heart () is a 2026 French documentary film directed by Tom Fontenille.Ben Dalton, "Lightdox acquires Cannes ACID selection ‘A Secret Heart’ for world sales". Screen Daily, 1 May 2026. 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, where it was nominated for the Queer Palm and the L'Œil d'or.
Premise Tom Fontenille documents his strained relationship with his father Patrice, who initially becomes withdrawn and uncommunicative following the death of his wife Yolande; however, after Fontenille unexpectedly discovers the secret cross-dressing that his father has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.Nick Cunningham, "Cannes ACID: A Secret Heart by Tom Fontenille". Business Doc Europe, 20 May 2026.
Release The film premiered in the ACID stream at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival,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. where it was in contention for the Queer Palm and the L'Œil d'or."Cannes 2026: Un Festival plus queer que jamais". Écrain Noir, May 12, 2026.
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