British Romanian filmmaker and academic Rachel Taparjan will premiere her debut feature, Something Familiar, in the main competition of the 23rd edition of CPH:DOX in Copenhagen on Tuesday, March 17. Taparjan is a senior lecturer in social work at Teesside University in North East England and has previously directed documentary shorts.
A Personal and Familial Journey
Something Familiar follows Taparjan as she assists a woman named Mihaela in her search for her birth mother in Romania, a journey that leads the filmmaker to confront her own family history and a painful legacy affecting the women in her family. The documentary uniquely interweaves this search with scenes featuring actresses cast to portray Taparjan’s mother, with whom she has limited connection, engaging in conversations staged specifically for the film.
The film explores themes of family bonds, absence, trauma, and the possibility of rewriting personal narratives. Monica Lăzurean-Gorgan and Elena Martin of Manifest Film in Romania, Aleksandra Bilic of My Accomplice in the U.K., and Dermot O’Dempsey, in association with Shudder Films, produced the film. Andrei Oană served as cinematographer, with editing by Alice Powell. Stranger Films Sales is handling sales.
Addressing Trauma and Representation
Taparjan shared in an interview that a significant challenge in making the film stemmed from balancing her roles as both director and subject, although as well navigating the complexities of disclosing deeply personal experiences. She emphasized the importance of ethical considerations and providing support for those involved, including Mihaela and her sister, utilizing trauma-informed practices and even consulting with psychological professionals.
Taparjan also discussed her desire to challenge existing narratives surrounding Romanian orphans, which she feels have been negatively influenced by Western media portrayals and a “white savior” narrative. She aimed to present a more nuanced and poetic representation, drawing inspiration from hybrid documentaries like Four Daughters, Dick Johnson Is Dead, and Casting JonBenet.
The Significance of “Something Familiar”
The film’s title, Something Familiar, evolved from a working title of One of Us, chosen for its poetic quality and multiple layers of meaning. Taparjan explained that the title reflects the common experience of adopted individuals sensing a connection to others, and the broader exploration of inherited trauma and identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Something Familiar about?
Something Familiar follows the director as she helps a woman search for her birth mother in Romania, while simultaneously exploring her own family history and uncovering a painful legacy.
Who produced Something Familiar?
Monica Lăzurean-Gorgan and Elena Martin of Manifest Film in Romania and Aleksandra Bilic of My Accomplice in the U.K. Produced the film, which was co-produced by Dermot O’Dempsey in association with Shudder Films.
What themes does the film explore?
The film explores themes of family bonds, absence, trauma, self-authorship, and the potential to rewrite familiar narratives.
Given the film’s exploration of intergenerational trauma and the search for identity, how might viewers connect with the personal journey presented in Something Familiar?
