Saturday, August 15, 2026

The Lost Children of Tuam to open in cinemas next month

The Lost Children of Tuam, the new feature film about local historian Catherine Corless and her research into the former mother-and-baby home in Tuam, Co Galway, will open in Irish cinemas next month and in the UK in October.

Research by Catherine Corless found that there were no burial records for almost 800 babies and infants who died at the home over a 36-year period.

Excavation of the site began last summer.

To date, the remains of 99 individuals have been recovered.

Winner of Best Irish Film at the Galway Film Fleadh in July, The Lost Children of Tuam will open in Ireland on 25 September via Ireland's Volta Pictures Distribution.

A UK release will follow in October via Picturehouse Entertainment.

The film is directed by Frank Berry (Aisha, Michael Inside) and stars BAFTA and Olivier Award winner Monica Dolan (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Appropriate Adult) as Catherine Corless.

It co-stars Andrew Bennett (God's Creatures) and Ian McElhinney (Game of Thrones).

Liam Neeson is among the producers of the film, which is presented by BBC Film and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland in association with Coimisiún na Meán, RTÉ, Ireland's Port Pictures, and the Dublin-based Element Pictures, among others.

The award-winning playwright and screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz (Hot Milk, Her Naked Skin) has written the script for The Lost Children of Tuam.

It is based on the 2017 New York Times article of the same name by Dan Barry, which was optioned for the screen by Liam Neeson.

Andrew Lowe, Co-CEO and Founder of Element Pictures, said: "We are thrilled Volta and Picturehouse are joining forces again for this film that we are deeply passionate about; Catherine Corless' work has affected so many around the globe, either personally connected to the Mother & Baby Homes or inspired by her activism, and we believe The Lost Children of Tuam will have deep resonance with Irish and UK audiences and beyond."

Sara Frain, Managing Director of Picturehouse Entertainment, said: "We were completely blown away by The Lost Children of Tuam.

"It is a powerful and deeply moving story, with a truly remarkable central performance from Monica Dolan.

"We are looking forward to collaborating with Volta and the Element team once again to bring this important film to audiences across the UK and Ireland."