Mayo girl makes big screen debut in monumental Tuam Babies film
By Patrick Hennelly
A nine-year-old Mayo girl has made her big screen debut in biographical drama, The Lost Children of Tuam, produced by Liam Neeson.
The film follows the investigation by historian Catherine Corless into the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam where she uncovered death certificates for 796 infants and children but no corresponding burial records. Historical evidence indicates they were buried in a mass unmarked grave.
Catherine Corless’ granddaughter, Aoife Corless, is played by Kiltimagh girl Sophia Daniel.
This is Sophia's first ever role in a film, and it was a proud moment for her parents Aine and Robert Daniel. Also very proud of her are Sophia's grandparents Tom and Anne Lee, Carrick, Kiltimagh, and her biggest fan was her granny Teresa Daniel, Clondalkin, Dublin, who passed away last year.
Said Aine: “Sophia has never done anything like this before, and it was a truly special occasion to see the film and to see her on the big screen and it has been an incredibly proud moment for our family.”
Sophia attends Réalta Drama Group in Castlebar, where, last summer, teacher Michelle O'Grady sent an email to parents enquiring if anyone was interested in starring in a new film.
“Nobody knew what the film was about, and one of the instructions was to send in a 30-second video clip of your child saying their name and a small bit about themselves. I thought to myself, ‘you know what, I will send the clip’.”
After a request for another couple of videos, they were sent extracts from the script, with Sophia later offered the part of Aoife Corless.
Sophia is a pupil at St. Aidan’s National School, where her classmates were very excited for her.
Aine had special praise for the cast and crew on set, including director Frank Berry, Monica Dolan, who plays Catherine Corless, and Andrew Bennett, her plays her husband, Aidan.
“Sophia also had her own little trailer with her name on it, and both my husband and I couldn’t believe it. When she got out of the car before heading into the set it was lashing rain, and one of the assistants held an umbrella for her and it was then that we thought ‘OK, this is really happening’.
“In her trailer she had her official script, and we had never seen an official script before, and it had different colours on it for editing. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes of a film that are fascinating.”
Aine said Sophia will realise in the years ahead how much of an impact this film had.
“It is a monumental film, it is heartbreaking to watch, and the story is shocking.
“During filming, the director and crew were aware of shielding the kids from any of the content that was dealt with. One of Sophia’s scenes is Aoife Corless’ birthday party where the children are going around playing musical chairs and she just pretended that it was her birthday.
“A lot of people have said that the story had to be told, and a lot of people are talking about the film, and it will bring more attention to those historical issues.”
Sophia is now enjoying life in school and being back with her Mayo drama group.
“Sophia loves her drama sessions with Réalta Drama Group, and she is a quietly confident nine-year-old girl,” said Aine. “She was just turning eight when filming for The Lost Children of Tuam began, and a film role is not something that we had ever envisaged for her. It was just that this opportunity came up.
“If ever she asks to be involved in another film or audition, then absolutely, I will support her. At the minute she is happy to bask in the limelight!
“Sophia loves school and her friends and is in third class. She loves arts and is so creative and the drama lends itself to that.”