Lost Children of Tuam wins Best Film at Galway Film Fleadh

THE Lost Children of Tuam which had its world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh last week has won Best Irish Film at the acclaimed film festival.

The premiere event was attended by local historian Catherine Corless and her husband Aidan along with many survivors of the home. Actor Monica Dolan who played Catherine in the film also attended the sold-out event along with film director Frank Berry. Irish actor and producer on the film Liam Neeson did not attend.

“We are all absolutely delighted. This award means a great deal to us, especially after such a moving and unforgettable premiere in Galway,” remarked Frank Berry.

“We are so honoured to receive this award and to have been met with such powerful and overwhelming support at the launch of this film, which we will carry with us as we continue its journey and share Catherine’s story with the world. Thank you once again to the Galway Film Fleadh and to our incredible cast, crew and team.”

Directed by Frank Berry and written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, the film is based on The New York Times article ‘The Lost Children of Tuam’ by Dan Barry, published in 2017. It tells the story of Catherine Corless’ research into the home and the campaign for an investigation into how there were death certificates for 796 babies and infants at the home, but no matching burial records could be found.

Catherine previously praised the production. "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," said Catherine. “I am indebted to you all for bringing this movie to the big screen."

Meanwhile, Learning to Breathe Underwater received the Audience Award as the Galway Film Fleadh and Galway Film Fair recorded their biggest year to date.

Filmed entirely in Galway, the powerful coming-of-age drama proved one of the standout films of this year's festival, earning the highest audience score of the 2026 programme.

The awards brought the curtain down on a landmark edition of the Galway Film Fleadh, which welcomed record attendances across both the festival and the Galway Film Fair, reaffirming Galway's position as the home of Irish cinema and one of Europe's leading destinations for filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences.

Festival Director Miriam Allen said: “The response to this year's Galway Film Fleadh has been extraordinary. We experienced record attendances across both the festival and the Galway Film Fair, with audiences embracing Irish and international cinema in remarkable numbers. The calibre of filmmaking on display this year has been exceptional, and wed like to congratulate all of our award winners and everyone who shared their work with audiences in Galway. The Fleadh continues to be a place where filmmakers launch careers, forge international partnerships and celebrate the very best in cinema.”