Baltic Event Co-Production Market
Queen of England Stole My Parents
It is a story about an adopted girl who embarks on a journey to save her biological parents.
8-year-old Milda tries to feel grateful, but the 'perfect adoption' is suffocating. Then, Beatrice, a ginger-haired doll come to life with a penchant for chaos, whispers tales of kidnapped biological parents and a Queen of England conspiracy. Fearless Beatrice pushes Milda to abandon her adoptive parents. Fuelled by a fragile hope, Milda runs.
Cue a chaotic road trip: stolen bikes, a cake-obsessed court, and wild Beatrice 'detective' work (disguises and questionable geography included!). But is Milda chasing hope – or delusion?
Meanwhile, her adoptive parents, over-prepared Viktorija and introverted Tadas, race to catch up, their journey forcing them to confront their own doubts.
Main country of production
Lithuania
Director's note
For most of us, it is hard to imagine the life of a child without parents – but we can all understand the emotions such a child experiences: anger, sadness, joy, hope. In this film, I want to lead the audience into Milda's inner world – a world of expectations, hope, imagination, and fantasy logic – and help them empathise with a child navigating abandonment and belonging. The story also explores the challenges faced by foster parents: their own doubts, fears, and imperfect love. At its core, this is a film about love – the kind we all have, though we often struggle to express it.
I want to tell this story in a light, playful, humorous tone – inspired visually by films like "Amélie" and "Little Miss Sunshine," and musically by Yann Tiersen. The rooftops of Vilnius – where Milda retreats – symbolise both isolation and safety.
This film is a continuation of my short film. Previously, I talked about the self-esteem of a child left behind through the prism of family emigration. Now, I want to focus on guardians, or more precisely, adoptive parents – what does it mean to take a child who is not your own into your family? What does family mean? This is important to me because four months ago, I became a guardian myself – I now have a wonderful daughter. She's almost 10. I'm proud of her, and she's my biggest inspiration. I want this film to inspire others too.
Producer's note
The idea for 'The Queen of England Stole My Parents' was born a decade ago. Today, with Creative Europe MEDIA Mini-Slate support, we are ready to realise it as a feature film with strong co-production and international potential. The film addresses a key social issue – children in foster care – still very relevant across Europe. In Lithuania alone, over 4,200 children are in care. We aim to challenge stereotypes and build empathy for both children and foster parents. Writer Gabija and director Ernestas bring personal insight, as Gabija is a foster care ambassador and adoptive parent.
The creative duo is highly experienced, having worked together on 'Troll Farm' (Berlinale Series Market Selects), 'Sasha Was Here' (Tallinn PÖFF, Shanghai, Les Arcs), 'I Am Fine Thanks' (Warsaw IFF), and the original award-winning short 'The Queen of England Stole My Parents.' We are now creating an emotionally rich, visually playful adventure film for children aged 6–11 and families, with strong market appeal, bilingual elements, and clear international potential.
Screenwiter's note
Earlier this year, I became a mother through adoption. This journey has given me a perspective I could never have imagined before, and it is precisely this perspective that drives me to tell this story. I feel uniquely qualified to write it because I am living it. Every day brings both struggles and discoveries – and yes, sometimes even the kind of unexpected plot twists that rival Hollywood. This lived experience fuels me with a mix of love, persistence, humour, and honesty that I want to bring to the screen.
At the heart of my motivation is a belief: families are built not by blood, but by love and commitment. Too often, children in the adoption system are considered 'too old' at six, as though their chance for a family has passed. I want to give voice to these children – to tell a story that makes audiences laugh, cry, and reflect on what family really means.
This project is deeply personal, but it is also universal. It is about chaos and healing, about resilience and love, about redefining what 'home' can be. It is my story now too, and I am determined to tell it with honesty and heart.
Subjects:
child parent relationships, motherhood, fatherhood, adventures, familial relationships, belonging, childhood
Director Ernestas Jankauskas directed TV series “Troll Farm”, that was selected by Berlinale Series Market Selects, Transylvania IFF and Killer Series where it is shown in Main Competition. His short film won best Lithuanian short movie award. His first feature film “Sasha was here” premiered at POFF in Tallinn and visited Shanghai and Les Arcs film festivals. His second feature “I am fine thanks” was picked up by Warsaw IFF. He directed over 40 award winning commercials. He was 2nd unit directo
Gabija Siurbytė is a producer and scriptwriter who co-owns the production company Dansu – one of the leading studios in Lithuania, producing commercials, films, and TV series, creating original content, and providing production services. Her first TV series as showrunner, “Troll Farm,” was selected by Berlinale Series Market Selects, Transilvania IFF, and Killer Series, where it was screened in the Main Competition. She has co-produced the Netflix TV series “Clark,” the Swedish TV series “Moscow Noir” (“Dirigenten”), and “Hamilton.” Gabija is a member of the board of the Independent Producers Association of Lithuania. She has taken part in Inside Pictures, EAVE+, Producers Network, Berlinale Talents Campus, MIDPOINT, and Words Across Europe, and was presented as a promising TV writer at Berlinale during the “Only Writers in the Building” event.
Viktorija Rimkutė is a film and TV producer at DANSU FILMS. After studying Creative Communication at Vilnius University, she quickly rose to the producer’s role. She is the co-producer of Norwegian feature film “Solomamma” by Janicke Askvold, in late post-production, featured at Les Arcs and Göteborg Works in Progress sections. Her major credit as a producer is "Troll Farm" - first Lithuanian high quality TV series that was picked up by Berlinale Series Market Selects. Viktorija is developing several original projects (feature films and TV series), including international co-productions. Her projects received Creative Europe MEDIA mini-slate support for development. She recently completed Series’ Women programme by EPI and Market Ready by International Screen Instutute in 2024.
Aleksandra Chmielewska is a writer and creative producer, and a graduate of the Wajda School, the MIDPOINT Writers’ Room, the MIDPOINT Smash Cut, screenwriting courses at StoryLab Pro, and the Documentary and Feature Film Studios in Warsaw. She is the head writer and creative producer of the premium drama “Glitter,” as well as story editor of “Cracow Monsters” – both Netflix original drama series that premiered in 2022. She is a member of the Polish Screenwriters’ Guild and participated in Only Writers in the Building, an international talent showcase held during Berlinale Series Market 2024.