From Russia, for Love

What happens when two western couples travel to a remote orphanage in a small Russian town? What does adoption do to the lives of two older girls, and what complications lurk beneath the surface? "From Russia, For Love" begins as an adoption odyssey - but grows into a story of human compassion, generosity and the power of family love.

When a nine-year-old OLGA is adopted from a small Russian orphanage, she must leave her beloved older brother behind, with little chance of ever seeing him again. LERA, 7, is torn by the loyalty to her birth mother and conflicting feelings toward her new North American family. We are witness to the girls' laughter and tears as well as the despair and the miracles which will change their young lives forever.

Shot over 3 years, From Russia, For Love follows the story of older Russian children who are adopted by North American families. We examine their memories, losses, attachments and wounds as the process unfolds. Rather than intrude, the camera merely records - capturing moments of both tenderness and confusion, tension and compassion. Documentary filmmaker Julia Ivanova, an adoption coordinator herself, is allowed unprecedented access to Russia's orphanage system, the children's lives, and intimate moments with the new families.

The film is full of unexpected twists, as it follows Olga and Lera on their emotional journey. This documentary has been broadcast in over 26 countries with much acclaim and public interest.