Children of Chaos

In 1945, twelve million homeless children wandered through the rubble of a Europe that had just emerged from the deadliest conflict it had ever known. An unprecedented number of children were separated from their parents or orphaned. Under the guise of the best interests of these children and of the nation, France, the United States, Great Britain and the countries of Central Europe embarked on a veritable race for children. By demographic opportunism, by fear of seeing them indoctrinated by a new totalitarianism, these countries move and adopt these orphans, erasing their history and their identity.

Directed by Agnès Pizzini, Julien Johan, Children of Chaos leans on a strong ensemble — Monika Ekiert, Melania Kowalczyk, Karolina Kuklińska — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2022.