Survivors of the Tuam mother and baby home have described a special preview screening of the new feature film, "Lost Children of Tuam," as "hugely emotional." The film chronicles the work of local historian and campaigner Catherine Corless, whose research uncovered that 796 children died at the home over 35 years, many buried in a sewage tank.

Director Frank Berry, who was inspired to take on the project after seeing Corless interviewed on television in 2014, stated that the film focuses on "heroes" and individuals like Corless who challenge the status quo. The film, which stars BAFTA award-winning actress Monica Dolan as Corless, has been eight years in the making.

Hollywood star Liam Neeson played a pivotal behind-the-scenes role, acquiring the rights to a New York Times article on the subject in 2018. Berry explained that Neeson has been consistently involved, contributing to scripts and reviewing rough cuts throughout the production. "It's safe to say he gives the film the thumbs-up," Berry noted.

The film premiered in Galway as part of the Film Fleadh, in the same county as the Tuam home. Berry described the survivors' screening in Galway city as particularly poignant. "There was silence at the end and then the emotion followed," he said. "I'm glad to say there was very much a sense that the survivors' voices are in the film – that was a very important thing for all of us."

Berry emphasized the care and sensitivity with which the film was made, acknowledging the pain and trauma associated with the subject matter. "We worked very hard on making sure that the script reflects Catherine’s work and also that it contained the voices of the survivors – that was a very strong focus in the film," he stated.

Therapists were available at screenings to support survivors who may have experienced trauma, with informal discussions following the film. Corless herself, who attended the premiere, expressed her satisfaction, telling the Irish Mail on Sunday last month that the film was "everything she hoped it would be" and "the whole truth and nothing but the truth."