"A Journey Through the Shadows of Our Past" - A New Documentary Explores Family Bonds and Trauma Imagine embarking on a journey that not only helps you understand your family's past but also forces you to confront the darkness that has been hiding in plain sight. This is the premise of "Something Familiar," a powerful documentary by Rachel Taparjan, which is set to premiere at the 23rd edition of Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, CPH:DOX. Taparjan, a British Romanian filmmaker, had a personal connection to the subject matter. She chose to explore the theme of family bonds and trauma, particularly in the context of Romanian orphans who were adopted abroad. The documentary follows Taparjan and her friend Mihaela as they embark on a mission to find Mihaela's birth mother in Romania. As they delve deeper into their search, both women are drawn into their own family histories, uncovering painful secrets and legacies that have haunted their families for generations. In exploring themes of family, identity, and trauma, Taparjan also turns the camera on herself, literally and metaphorically. By enlisting actresses to sit in for her mother in a chair across from her, she blurs the lines between subject and filmmaker, creating a unique and intimate narrative. Something Familiar is not just a story about Romanian orphans; it's a universal exploration of how our past shapes us, and how we can rewrite the narratives that have been passed down to us. The documentary has already made waves at Cannes Docs 2025, where it won the Chicken & Egg Vision Award, and is now set to premiere at CPH:DOX. Taparjan's experience as a director of documentary shorts has prepared her for this complex project, which requires her to navigate the intricate web of family relationships and secrets. With "Something Familiar," she invites us to join her on a journey of self-discovery and exploration, one that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. In a country where family values are deeply ingrained, this documentary offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of family bonds, trauma, and identity. It's a story that will resonate with Nigerians who have experienced the challenges of family dynamics, and those who have been touched by the legacy of trauma and abuse.