Multimedia object retrieval from natural language queries

1. A method for identifying multi-media assets from a multi-media collection, the method implemented at least in part by a data processing system and comprising the steps of:

receiving a search query, the search query, or a derivative thereof, including an indication of a possessive phrase;

processing the search query to derive the possessive phrase, wherein the possessive phrase includes a possessor and a possession category, the possessor being a person and the possession category denoting a family relationship between two persons;

identifying a denoted object referred to by the possessive phrase using a predefined relationship database that establishes social relationships between objects;

identifying one or more additional possessors of the denoted object using the predefined relationship database;

generating one or more additional possessive phrases for the denoted objects relating the identified additional possessors to the denoted object; and

identifying one or more multi-media assets from the multi-media collection containing the denoted object responsive to the one or more additional possessive phrases.