Lost and Found: Romania’s Hidden Adoption Market

Logline

When a Canadian woman adopted from Romania returns to uncover her origins, she exposes a hidden system of falsified adoptions that affected thousands of children. Lost and Found is a seven-year investigation into identity, belonging, and the long shadow of international adoption.

Impact Statement

“The impact campaign aims to support adoptees’ right to identity by pushing for open access to adoption records, recognition of falsified documents, and policy dialogue in Romania and at EU level. Through partnerships with adoptee groups, NGOs, and child-rights institutions, the film will be used to raise awareness, empower affected communities, and reframe adoption history from “rescue” to a human-rights issue.”

Partners Attached

• Roma Education Fund (Romania / Balkans)
• ERIAC – European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture
• Canadian Embassy in Romania
• Think Film Impact Production

Goal at Take on Film & Impact

“We are seeking to connect with international NGOs, child-rights organisations, and experienced impact partners to strengthen advocacy at EU and UN level. We are also looking for strategic support around impact fundraising, educational distribution, and alliances with organisations working on identity rights, adoption ethics, and access to records.”

Participants

Laurentiu Garofeanu is a Romanian–British filmmaker with over 20 years of experience in international documentary and factual storytelling. He has worked with Discovery, Channel 4, National Geographic, and HBO. Lost and Found is his debut feature documentary, focused on identity, memory, and social justice.

Contact: Laurentiu GarofeanuWatch the trailer