Liam Neeson is producing “The Lost Children of Tuam,” a film based on a New York Times article detailing the deaths of almost 800 infants and children at a Catholic home in County Galway, Ireland. Neeson, deeply affected by the 2017 article, felt a “growing rage” and “embarrassment” and wanted the story to reach a wider audience.
The article, written by Dan Barry, revealed that between several decades and the early 1960s, nearly 800 infants and children were buried in unmarked graves and a sewage tank at the home. Catherine Corless, a local historian, brought the story to light through tireless research, often facing indifference and resistance from the Catholic Church. Her work initially sparked national fury in Ireland before gaining international attention.
Neeson, who has over 100 film credits, decided to turn producer for the first time to bring the story to the screen. He optioned the article, resulting in “The Lost Children of Tuam,” which premiered at the Galway Film Fleidh and is now screening in Toronto. He chose Irish filmmaker Frank Berry, known for “Michael Inside” and “Aisha,” to direct, believing Berry would allow the story to “breathe” without sensationalizing the horror.
Berry stated he was acutely aware of the “immense responsibility” of telling the story, considering the impact on survivors and those affected by religious institutions. He and the production team focused on how the film would be received by those impacted, ensuring sensitivity in the script and dialogue.
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