Rachel Taparjan, a British Romanian filmmaker and senior lecturer in social work at Teesside University, is set to premiere her debut feature documentary, Something Familiar, at the 23rd edition of the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, CPH:DOX, on March 17, 2024. The film chronicles her personal journey alongside a woman named Mihaela as they search for Mihaela’s birth mother in Romania, exploring the depths of their shared experiences within a complex landscape of family trauma.
In Something Familiar, Taparjan blends her role as both director and subject, a dual perspective that adds layers to the narrative. The film captures her visit to the orphanage where both she and Mihaela were adopted, revealing not only the challenges of their search but also the painful histories that resonate through their families. The documentary intersperses scenes of Taparjan auditioning actresses to portray her mother, whom she never knew, creating a poignant exploration of absence and identity.
As the film unfolds, themes of family bonds, trauma, and self-discovery emerge prominently. Taparjan describes her work as an exploration of whether familiar narratives can be rewritten. The film was produced by Monica Lăzurean-Gorgan and Elena Martin from Manifest Film in Romania, and Aleksandra Bilic of My Accomplice in the U.K., with co-production by Dermot O’Dempsey of Shudder Films. Cinematography is handled by Andrei Oană, and editing by Alice Powell.
Exploring Personal and Collective Trauma
In a recent interview, Taparjan shared insights into the creative challenges she faced while making the film. “Being a director and a subject in a film is quite a unique challenge,” she said. She highlighted the emotional toll and the ethical considerations involved in sharing her personal narrative alongside Mihaela’s story. “I wanted to ensure that there was a support system for her when the cameras weren’t rolling,” Taparjan noted, emphasizing the importance of a trauma-informed approach throughout the production.
The filmmaker, who has expertise in social work, ensured that a psychological consultant was involved to support both herself and Mihaela during the filming process. She also implemented a unique dynamic during interviews, allowing her sister to take on the role of interviewer, which Taparjan found empowering. “It’s important to give people more power, choice, and control,” she explained.
Taparjan’s reflections extend to the broader impact of trauma across generations. She believes that the film addresses the complex ways trauma can affect families, particularly in the context of adoption. “The film is really about alchemizing trauma and overcoming it,” she stated. “There is this intergenerational, almost mysterious transmission of trauma.”
Challenging Stereotypes in Media
Throughout her journey, Taparjan grappled with the stigmas associated with being labeled a Romanian orphan. She expressed frustration at the predominantly negative portrayals of Romanian orphans in Western media, which often depict them as disturbed or in need of saving. “Most of the documentaries I saw were about how troubled these children are,” she remarked. “None of us were orphans; our parents hadn’t died, which mislabels what we experienced.”
This critical perspective on media representation drove Taparjan to tell her story in a more nuanced and creative manner. By embracing a hybrid documentary style, she aims to reflect the complexities of human experiences rather than conforming to traditional narratives. “I wanted some of that poetry and playfulness because I’ve never seen that in another documentary about Romania,” she said.
The concept of casting actresses to portray her mother emerged from her own experiences of searching for identity. “Before finding out that my mum had died, I would often think that any Romanian woman I met could be related to me,” Taparjan recalled. This inspired her to explore the idea of multiple maternal figures, ultimately leading to the film’s title change from One of Us to Something Familiar, which she felt captured a more poetic essence.
As Something Familiar prepares for its world premiere, Rachel Taparjan’s journey exemplifies the power of storytelling in confronting personal and collective trauma. The film not only sheds light on her own experiences but also challenges prevailing stereotypes, inviting viewers to reflect on the deeper narratives that shape identity and belonging.
