Lost Children of Tuam Filming Begins
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Filming Begins on “The Lost Children of Tuam,” Chronicling Ireland’s Mother and Baby Home Scandal
Production commenced in August 2025 on The Lost Children of Tuam, a film dramatizing the investigation into the Tuam Mother and Baby Home in County Galway, Ireland. The film centers on the tireless work of local historian Catherine Corless, whose research uncovered shocking details about the deaths and undocumented burials of infants at the institution.
The Tuam Mother and Baby Home: A History of Loss
The Tuam Mother and Baby Home operated from 1925 to 1961, run by the sisters of the Bon Secours. It housed unmarried pregnant women and their children, a common practice in Ireland during that era, frequently enough shrouded in social stigma. However, conditions at Tuam were particularly grim.
In the early 2010s, Catherine Corless began researching the history of the home, driven by personal connections and a desire to understand the fate of those who had been there. Her investigation revealed a disturbing discrepancy: official records showed a relatively low number of infant deaths, while local accounts and anecdotal evidence suggested a far higher mortality rate.Corless discovered that records for nearly 800 babies and infants who died at the home over a 36-year period were missing according to RTÉ news.
Further investigation, including an official state inquiry, confirmed Corless’s findings. The inquiry revealed that infants had been interred in an unmarked mass grave on the grounds of the home, often without proper burial rites. The conditions at the home,including inadequate nutrition and healthcare,contributed to the high mortality rate.
The Film: Bringing the Story to the Screen
The Lost Children of Tuam is directed by Frank Berry, known for his socially conscious films Aisha and Michael Inside. The film stars BAFTA and Olivier Award winner Monica Dolan, acclaimed for her roles in Mr Bates vs The Post Office and Appropriate adult, as Catherine Corless. Dolan’s portrayal promises to capture the determination and emotional toll of Corless’s years-long investigation as reported by RTÉ.
Liam Neeson, a prominent Irish actor, is among the producers of the film, alongside Catherine Corless herself. The project is a collaboration between BBC Film, Vision Ireland, the Media Commission, RTÉ, Port Pictures, and elements. This broad coalition underscores the national and international meaning of the story.