part-4, Bulgaria's Abandoned Children Revisited

In 2007 the BBC documentary film 'Bulgaria's Abandoned Children caused an international outcry because the images of neglect were so shocking to witness in a country that had just become a member of the European Union. Bulgaria has more institutionalised mentally and physically disabled children than anywhere else in Europe. The film is a heart-rending and eye-opening look into the life of one institution.

Eighteen months after filming it, director Kate Blewett returned to Bulgaria in 2009 to film with a handful of the children featured in the original documentary, seeing where they are today and how their lives have changed since the outcry and changes brought about by the film.

The original documentary is set in a small Bulgarian village in an institute called Mogilino, a place where 75 unwanted disabled children are growing up. Many of them cannot walk or talk, not necessarily because they are unable to, but because they have been neglected and have never had the opportunity to learn. With extraordinary access, Blewett takes us into this tragic silent world.

The second half of the film takes the audience back to Bulgaria to see how the lives of the children have been transformed beyond recognition as a result of the public response to the film. It is testimony to the power of television to bring about concrete change, and also demonstrate how even apparently hopelessly withdrawn and 'damaged' children can be reached, helped and given a meaningful life and future with the right care.

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[chloeinoz]

oh wow she looks so much better and it is such a joy to see her smile.

[boosra]

Its so sweet how she smiles at her friend!

I'm usually the cynical sort, but I had a good old fashioned cry to find out how happy Didi is now.

Hmnn..I think this programme is in danger of turning me into a good person.

[lost619]

Wow so fantastic to see what started as a documentary turn these children's lives around! The update on them all is great :)

[lalakimmie19]

they looks soo happy  im glad

[tootmt]

The Director must have done great under Communist rule.

[8757kathy]

what a big difference from the first time kate blewett went there,these nurses look like they care,i hope it stays like this away from the cameras,vasky looks so much happier now because if she had stayed in moglinio she would have died,the director should be prosecuted

[jb55101]

i like how she says that few of the girls there are virgins and the male staff maybe lazy but they wouldn't touch the girls BULLSHIT BITCH? i watch all the video's and the male's that live there to be don't seem like they would know what to do in sex. GO TO HELL AND DIE BITCH

[lilreinniita]

HUGE lesbian with Didi. Lol bt shes nice

[camcamomille95]

Such a relief to see they're doing better... I really hope all those kids were sent to good places like them.

[ibidydo]

glad to see her in a good area now than that hell hole den of iniquity

[ibidydo]

oh you put fucking umbrella's round a fucking swimming pool. and what about teaching them to speak, live socially. you care only about money. To be honest your money has made you become even more blind than those who suffer medically from blindness