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The Lost Children of Tuam has worldwide premiere in Galway

The film tells the real life story of history enthusiast Catherine Corless devastating discovery that as many as 796 children had been buried in unmarked graves in Tuam

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Catherine Corless meets lead actress Monica Dolan who plays Catherine at a reception before the World Premiere of The Lost Children of Tuam at the Galway Film Fleadh

The Lost Children of Tuam, a new film detailing the harrowing true story of a local historian's research into the Mother and Baby Home in Tuam and the heartbreaking discovery that followed, premiered this weekend.

Directed by Frank Berry, known for Michael Inside, and written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, the film is based on The New York Times article The Lost Children of Tuam by Dan Barry, published in 2017.

The film tells the real life story of how, whilst researching the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Galway, for a local historical society, history enthusiast Catherine Corless uncovered the devastating possibility that as many as 796 children had been buried in unmarked graves on the property.

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THE LOST CHILDREN OF TUAM(Image: Enda Bowe)

There were no burial records available for these infants, and many were buried in a disused sewage system. The discovery began a campaign for justice for both victims and survivors of the home that has had a lasting impact on Ireland today.

An investigation in 2017 found there were significant quantities of human remains buried in the grounds of the home. Full excavations at the site in Tuam, County Galway, officially commenced on July 14, 2025.

The total number of sets of infant remains uncovered by the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention Tuam (ODAIT) since it began work at the site last July is now 77.

The film features a powerful cast including award-winning Monica Dolan who plays Catherine Corless, along with fellow cast members Andrew Bennett and Ian McElhinney from Game of Thrones and Derry Girls.

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Catherine Corless and her husband Aidan Corless meets lead actress Monica Dolan who plays Catherine at a reception before the World Premiere of The Lost Children of Tuam at the Galway Film Fleadh

Charlene Lydon, Programmer of the Galway Film Fleadh said: The Lost Children of Tuam is a profoundly moving and important piece of filmmaking. Frank Berry approaches this story with immense sensitivity, compassion and humanity, creating a film that honours the lives of the children and the experiences of survivors while confronting a painful chapter of our shared history.

We are honoured to present its World Premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh and to provide a platform for a story that continues to resonate both in Ireland and around the world."

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