Liam Neeson-produced The Lost Children of Tuam to premiere at Galway Film Fleadh

Frank Berry’s The Lost Children of Tuam will premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh on July 11.

BAFTA TV Award-winning Monica Dolan plays Catherine Corless, a local historian who discovers that 796 children have been buried in unmarked graves on the grounds of Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, County Galway.

Produced by Liam Neeson, the film is based on Dan Barry's New York Times article of the same name. Published in 2017, it details Corless’ discovery and her memories of growing up near the home.

A 2017 excavation confirmed the presence of juvenile remains on the grounds, prompting a state apology. A full exhumation commenced in July 2025 to recover, identify, and rebury the remains with dignity in a dedicated memorial garden at the Tuam site.

The screenplay was written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, best known for Her Naked Skin, the first original play by a living female playwright to be performed on the Olivier stage at the Royal National Theatre in London.

North Dublin-born Berry is known for directing the 2022 film Aisha as well as the 2017 prison drama Michael Inside. He also won Best Film Feature at the Galway Film Fleadh in 2014 for the horror-drama I Used to Live Here.

“We are honoured to premiere The Lost Children of Tuam at the Galway Film Fleadh, a festival that’s very close to my heart,” said Berry.

“We could not imagine a more meaningful and fitting start to the journey of this film.”

The premiere of the film will take place less than 30km away from the site of Coerless’ discovery.

"A brilliant director, exceptional writer, multi-skilled producers and a whole team of dedicated people have put their hearts and energy into this film, to portray the truth of what really happened in the Tuam Home," said Coerless. “I am indebted to you all for bringing this movie to the big screen."

Tickets for the all Galway Film Fleadh industry events are available through the festival website at www.galwayfilmfleadh.com.

Running from July 7-12, the full programme for the Galway Film Fleadh will be unveiled on June 23.