Denied

Mészáros Antónia

documentary films

In 1970s Hungary the Child Protection Agency often took disadvantaged children away from their families instead of supporting the family as a unit. They were brought up in large orphanages with hundreds of other children.

Although many of those who ended up in state care like this were of Roma origin they were never taught about their cultural heritage. In 2007 Film director Árpád Bogdán made a feature film entitled Happy New Life based on his own personal experience. Árpád was placed in state care from the age of three. He knew almost nothing about his family or the reasons why he had to leave his home. The main protagonist of his feature film, a Roma boy brought up in state care is unable to cope with the feeling of not belonging, and ends up committing suicide. After the film Árpád decides that in order to face his own future he must delve into his past and his roots. He obtains his file from the Child Protection Agency, but he is unsure whether he should try to find his parents and siblings. This documentary follows him on a personal journey as he tries to uncover his past.