Full Breakdown
‘The Lost Children of Tuam’ World-Premieres at Galway Film Fleadh
6/18/2026, 10:21:05 PM
World Premiere Details
The feature opens the 38th Galway Film Fleadh on Saturday, 11 July 2026 at 8:20 p.m. in Galway’s Town Hall Theatre, marking the first public screening of a film about the Bon Secours Mother-and-Baby Home in Tuam.
Historical Context
In 2013 local historian Catherine Corless found no burial records for nearly 800 infants and children who died at the Tuam home between 1940 and 1977. Her discovery sparked a campaign, an excavation in 2025 and the recovery of 77 remains.
Production Team and Cast
Frank Berry directs and Rebecca Lenkiewicz writes. Monica Dolan plays Corless, with Andrew Bennett and Ian McElhinney supporting. Producers include Liam Neeson (El Paso Films), Jules Daly (Big Red Films), Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe (Element Pictures), Chelsea Morgan Hoffmann and Martina Niland (Port Pictures). Screen Ireland, BBC Film, Fremantle, Coimisiún na Meán, RTÉ and MK2 present; MK2 handles worldwide sales and Volta Pictures distributes in Ireland.
Key Data
- Estimated burials: up to 796 children (often reported as “almost 800”).
- Excavated remains identified by July 2025: 77 individuals.
- Source article: Dan Barry, *The Lost Children of Tuam*, *NYT*, 2017.
Official Statements & Responses
Festival programmer Charlene Lydon called the film “a profoundly moving and important piece of filmmaking” that honors children and survivors. Producers highlighted a “horrific truth” that still reverberates across Irish society. Director Berry noted the personal significance of premiering the work in his home region.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ Charlene Lydon, Programmer of the Galway Film Fleadh, said: "The Lost Children of Tuam is a profoundly moving and important piece of filmmaking.” — Charlene Lydon, programmer
- “We are so honoured and 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.” — Liam Neeson, producer
- “I am indebted to you all for bringing this movie to the big screen.” — Catherine Corless
- “We are honoured to premiere The Lost Children of Tuam at the Galway Film Fleadh, a festival that’s very close to my heart,” — Frank Berry, director
Impact and Significance
Transforming a decades-long investigation into a narrative film may renew public scrutiny of institutional abuse and bolster calls for accountability. The proximity of the premiere to the Tuam site underscores local relevance and could shape future policy discussions on historical redress.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the burial figure, citing “as many as 796” and “almost 800.” The total remains unverified pending full forensic analysis, and while 77 remains have been recovered, most victims’ identities are still unknown.
What’s Next
After the 11 July premiere, the film will continue on the festival circuit; a wider theatrical release date has not yet been announced. Tickets for the Galway showing are available through the festival’s website.