Beloved Christian comedian Chonda Pierce is sharing one of the most painful chapters of her life in a new documentary that explores the impact of broken father-daughter relationships and the healing that can come through faith. The film, He Calls Me Daughter, is scheduled for a limited theatrical release March 17-18 through Fathom Entertainment.
Pierce, often called the "Queen of Clean" in Christian comedy, has spent decades making audiences laugh while also speaking candidly about the struggles behind the humor. In the documentary, she revisits the complicated relationship she had with her father, a pastor whose public ministry contrasted sharply with painful realities at home.
Growing up in a pastor's household, Pierce said her childhood was shaped by strict expectations and emotional turmoil. Her father struggled with severe mental illness, later diagnosed as bipolar disorder, and was unfaithful in his marriage. The contradictions left a lasting impression on Pierce as she wrestled with how someone admired in the pulpit could behave so differently at home.
"The most confusing part of my childhood was seeing a man in the pulpit preach and people admire him," Pierce recalled, explaining that the experience caused her to question where God was amid the pain.
Directed by filmmaker Rick Altizer, He Calls Me Daughter examines what counselors often describe as the "father wound"-the emotional damage caused by absent, abusive, or emotionally distant fathers. The documentary features several women sharing deeply personal stories about how fractured relationships with their fathers affected their identity, relationships and even their understanding of God.
The film also includes appearances from notable voices such as Lynsi Snyder, author and counselor Meg Meeker, and filmmaker Alex Kendrick, all contributing perspectives on how fatherhood shapes emotional and spiritual development.
For Pierce, participating in the film meant reopening wounds she had long carried, but she believes the story can help others recognize hidden pain and find hope. She said the goal of the documentary is not merely to revisit trauma but to point audiences toward restoration and the healing available through Christ.
The comedian hopes the film will especially encourage women who may not fully understand how their childhood experiences have shaped their lives. By sharing these stories, Pierce believes viewers may discover that healing begins when they acknowledge those wounds and turn to the love of a Heavenly Father.
Ultimately, He Calls Me Daughter aims to spark conversations about faith, forgiveness and identity while reminding audiences that even the deepest relational wounds can be redeemed through God's grace.
