Black Family's Grief and Secrets Unveiled in New Drama

Grace Passô's directorial debut, "Our Secret," offers an intimate exploration of a Black family grappling with profound grief following the loss of their patriarch. Set in Belo Horizonte, the film centers on a young boy who uncovers a significant family secret.

The narrative, adapted from Passô's own stage play, blends realism with surreal elements to examine themes of ancestral memory and emotional silence within the family. Passô noted her career pattern of revisiting stage work for screen adaptations.

Passô emphasized that the film's setting in Belo Horizonte aims to represent Brazil's vast cultural diversity, moving beyond the traditional focus on Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo in national cinema. This approach seeks a more authentic portrayal of the country.

"Our Secret" also intentionally moves away from common stereotypes in Black cinema, avoiding narratives solely focused on tragedy or using Black characters as didactic figures on racial issues. Passô's intention was to humanize the experience of grief and portray Black experiences as plural and multifaceted.

The film's casting process, particularly for the child role of Tutu, was extensive, with newcomer Efraim Santos ultimately cast. The production was a partnership between Passô and producer Ricardo Alves Jr., with support from multiple Brazilian companies.