A Secret

Based on Philippe Grimbert's fact-inspired novel, Un secret tells of a French-Jewish family torn apart during the Nazi occupation. Francois is Parisian who's informed his elderly father has gone missing. This triggers flashbacks to 1955, when he was a shy boy, intimidated by his parents: Tania, a swimmer, and Maxim, a gymnast. The boy's best friend is Louise, who runs a business close to the family's clothing shop. Francois also has an imaginary brother who's fearless and athletic. Discovering an old toy in the attic, Francois pulls a long-hidden truth out of Louise: He once had a half-brother. Prewar scenes find Maxime engaged to another: Hannah, whose parents view Hitler's with dread. He, however, sees himself French primarily, barely accepts his Jewish heritage. At his wedding, Maxime meets Tania and the two are mutually attracted. Even so, life goes on as planned, soon with Maxime and Hannah's child Simon - until the Nazis invade. Winner of the first prize at Montreal Festival 07.