Rachel Taparjan, a British Romanian filmmaker and senior lecturer at Teesside University, is set to premiere her debut feature documentary, Something Familiar, at the prestigious 23rd edition of CPH:DOX on March 17, 2024. This film marks a significant milestone in her career, as it dives deeply into personal narratives surrounding trauma, identity, and the search for familial connections.
The documentary follows Taparjan as she assists a woman named Mihaela in her quest to find her birth mother in Romania. Their journey takes them to the orphanage from which both were adopted, revealing painful family histories that resonate with themes of absence and trauma. As the narrative unfolds, the film juxtaposes Mihaela’s search with scenes of Taparjan auditioning actresses to portray her mother, a figure she never truly knew. This creative choice reflects her exploration of self-authorship and the possibility of rewriting familiar narratives.
In an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Taparjan described the unique challenges of being both the director and the subject of the film. “Being a director and a subject in a film is quite a unique challenge,” she stated. “You’re wearing two hats, and you’ve got this split psychological experience all the time.” Despite the difficulties, Taparjan found strength throughout the filmmaking process, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and support systems for participants.
The film’s production involved a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that both Mihaela and Taparjan’s sister received proper support during the filming. A psychological consultant was engaged to assist throughout the process, highlighting Taparjan’s commitment to the well-being of those involved. “I insisted on a trauma-informed practice,” she explained.
Taparjan’s exploration extends beyond personal stories to address the intergenerational transmission of trauma. “The film is really about alchemizing trauma and overcoming it,” she said. Through their narratives, she and Mihaela confront the stigmas associated with being Romanian orphans. Taparjan noted that much of the stigma stems from Western media portrayals, which often depict Romanian orphans in a negative light.
The director aims to challenge these stereotypes, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of adoption and identity. She expressed frustration with the “white savior narrative” often seen in documentaries about Romanian orphans, which she believes oversimplifies complex human experiences.
In crafting Something Familiar, Taparjan drew inspiration from other hybrid documentaries, such as Four Daughters and Dick Johnson Is Dead. Her decision to cast actresses to portray her mother emerged from a desire to explore the concept of multiple maternal figures. “I could have so many mothers. Why not play with this?” she mused.
Originally titled One of Us, the film was later renamed Something Familiar to reflect its poetic nature and the multiple interpretations it invites. This choice aligns with Taparjan’s vision of exploring deep familial connections while maintaining a sense of creativity and playfulness.
Approaching darker family traumas required careful consideration. Taparjan was mindful of the distinction between her role as a character and her personal experiences. “I understand that it was really relevant for this story, but I don’t want you raking over every trauma I’ve ever had in great detail,” she clarified.
As Something Familiar prepares for its world premiere, it promises to resonate with audiences through its honest exploration of trauma, identity, and the complexity of familial bonds. Taparjan’s commitment to a trauma-informed approach may also pave the way for future filmmakers to consider the emotional well-being of their subjects in documentary storytelling.
