The powerful film based on the life of Tuam woman Catherine Corless and featuring an all-star cast will receive its world premiere in Galway next month.
The Galway Film Fleadh has this morning announced that The Lost Children Of Tuam will receive its World Premiere on Saturday 11 July with key cast and creatives in attendance.
Directed by Frank Berry (Aisha, Michael Inside ) and written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz (The Salt Path, She Said ), the film is based on The New York Times article ‘The Lost Children of Tuam’ by Dan Barry, published in 2017.
The film features a powerful ensemble cast including award-winning Monica Dolan (Sherwood, Mr Bates vs The Post Office ) who plays Catherine Corless, along with fellow cast members Andrew Bennett (God’s Creatures, The Quiet Girl ) and Ian McElhinney (Game of Thrones, Derry Girls ).
The film tells the real life story of how, whilst researching the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, County 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.
The discovery began a campaign for justice for both victims and survivors of the home that has had a lasting impact on Ireland today. Liam Neeson, who optioned the rights to the New York Times article, is producer for El Paso Films, along with Jules Daly for Big Red Films, Chelsea Morgan Hoffmann, Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe for Oscar-winning Element Pictures and Martina Niland for Port Pictures. The film is presented by Screen Ireland and BBC Film in association with Fremantle, Coimisiún na Meán, MK2 and RTÉ with MK2 handling worldwide sales, with Volta Pictures Distribution releasing the film in Ireland
The World Premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh marks a significant moment for Irish cinema, bringing this vital story to audiences in the West of Ireland, just a short distance from where the events took place.”
Charlene Lydon, Programmer of the Galway Film Fleadh told the Advertiser that they are honoured to present its World Premiere at the Fleadh and to provide a platform for a story that continues to resonate both in Ireland and around the world.
“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.
“The Galway Film Fleadh has long championed bold Irish storytelling, and The Lost Children Of Tuam stands as a powerful example of cinema’s ability to engage with history, challenge audiences and foster meaningful conversation.“
Director Frank Berry said that he is “honoured to premiere The Lost Children Of Tuam at the Galway Film Fleadh, a festival that’s very close to my heart! We could not imagine a more meaningful and fitting start to the journey of this film.”
Catherine Corless said that she is delighted that the story has been made into a movie and that the truth will emerge from what happened at Tuam.
“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.
“I am indebted to you all for bringing this movie to the big screen,” she said.
Producers Liam Neeson, Chelsea Morgan Hoffmann, Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Martina Niland and Jules Daly said that they are proud to begin the journey of The Lost Children of Tuam with its World Premiere in Galway at The Fleadh and that audiences will now see this profound story of relentless pursuit and dedication in uncovering the horrific truth of the events in Tuam that shocked our nation to its core and is still reverberating in every aspect of our society. The truth will out.”
The World Premiere will take place at 8. 20pm on Saturday, 11 July as part of the 38th Galway Film Fleadh. The screening will take place at Town Hall Theatre Galway. Tickets are available now at www.tht.ie
The World Premiere of The Lost Children Of Tuam forms part of a special year for Frank Berry at the Galway Film Fleadh.
In addition to presenting the film, Berry will participate in this year’s Galway Film Fleadh Director’s Masterclass, where he will reflect on his acclaimed body of work, his creative process, and his commitment to telling powerful, socially resonant stories.
The Masterclass will provide audiences and emerging filmmakers with a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of Ireland’s most respected contemporary directors.”Frank Berry has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to tell stories that are both deeply personal and socially significant. We are delighted to welcome him to Galway for both the World Premiere of THE LOST CHILDREN OF TUAM and this year’s Director’s Masterclass.
His work exemplifies the kind of courageous and compassionate filmmaking that the Galway Film Fleadh is proud to champion, said Miriam Allen, Director of Programming at the Galway Film Fleadh
The full programme for the 38th Galway Film Fleadh will be unveiled on Tuesday, 23 June.
Running from 7–12 July 2026, the festival presents an outstanding selection of Irish and international cinema, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences from across Ireland and around the globe.
