Rebecca Lenkiewicz writes Lost Children of Tuam

Deadline reported on July 9 that Rebecca Lenkiewicz wrote The Lost Children of Tuam, an upcoming drama directed by Frank Berry and led by Monica Dolan. The film is based on Dan Barry’s 2017 New York Times article about Catherine Corless, the local historian whose research helped expose the scale of child deaths connected to the former Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, County Galway. (yahoo.com) First footage was released ahead of the film’s world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh on Saturday, July 11. (galwayfilmfleadh.com) The project brings together a writer best known for She Said and The Salt Path, a director whose previous films include Aisha and Michael Inside, and a cast headed by Dolan, the BAFTA-winning actor from Mr Bates vs The Post Office. (yahoo.com) Galway Film Fleadh and Screen Ireland have both described the film as a world premiere title in this year’s festival lineup. ### How did Rebecca Lenkiewicz come into this film? Galway Film Fleadh’s program listing names Rebecca Lenkiewicz as the writer of The Lost Children of Tuam and Frank Berry as director. The same listing identifies the film as an adaptation of Barry’s New York Times article, first published in 2017. (yahoo.com) Deadline’s July 9 report tied Lenkiewicz to the project as first footage was unveiled before the Galway screening. The trade report also linked her recent profile to The Salt Path, while the festival material pairs her credits with She Said. ### What story is the film adapting? (galwayfilmfleadh.com) Dan Barry’s 2017 New York Times article followed Catherine Corless as she investigated records tied to the Tuam mother-and-baby home. Festival and trade descriptions say the film centers on Corless’s work after she uncovered evidence suggesting that as many as 796 children who died at the home had no recorded burial places in the usual way. (galwayfilmfleadh.com) Variety reported in 2025 that the film would focus on Corless’s research for a local historical society and the campaign for justice that followed. That account matches the festival synopsis naming Dolan as Corless and describing the story as rooted in the Tuam discovery. (yahoo.com) ### Who is in the film besides Monica Dolan? Monica Dolan plays Catherine Corless, according to Galway Film Fleadh, Screen Ireland and earlier production coverage. The cast also includes Andrew Bennett and Ian McElhinney. Frank Berry directs the film, and producers include Liam Neeson alongside Element Pictures, BBC Film and Screen Ireland, according to earlier reports from Variety and RTÉ. (galwayfilmfleadh.com) Fremantle said key cast and creatives are expected in Galway for the premiere. ### Why is Tuam the focus of this story? Tuam, County Galway, became the center of international attention after Corless’s research raised questions about children who died at the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home. (variety.com) Barry’s article described the unresolved questions around burials and the treatment of children born to unmarried mothers in Ireland’s church-run institutions. (galwayfilmfleadh.com) RTÉ reported in 2025 that excavation of the Tuam site had begun, placing the film’s release against an active official effort to recover and identify remains. That gives the film a present-day backdrop beyond the original 2017 article. (variety.com) ### When and where will people first see it? The Galway Film Fleadh scheduled The Lost Children of Tuam for its world premiere on Saturday, July 11. Deadline’s July 9 report said first footage had been released in advance of that screening. Fremantle and Screen Ireland said the premiere will take place in Galway with cast and filmmakers in attendance. (bishop-accountability.org) The festival listing is the next public marker for the film as distributors and buyers get their first look. (screenireland.ie) (yahoo.com) (rte.ie)