Project Detail

Testimony

Pregnant woman in a confessional
Activists Press Conference

Synopsis

This is not the Handmaid’s Tale. This, unfortunately, is real.
TESTIMONY is a powerful documentary revealing the harrowing truth behind Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries and Mother and Baby Homes, where over 10,000 women and girls were confined between 1922 and 1996. Unmarried mothers, children of unmarried mothers, survivors of abuse, or those deemed “promiscuous” or burdensome were imprisoned, their lives shrouded in secrecy and shame.
The film chronicles the extraordinary efforts of Justice For Magdalenes, a small group of women lawyers, academics, and volunteers who fought tirelessly for recognition and justice for survivors. Their battle extended from the steps of the Irish parliament to the High Court and the United Nations. Alongside legal victories, the group spearheaded vital initiatives to preserve survivors' stories and ensure the atrocities they endured are never forgotten.
Through moving testimonies from survivors like Philomena Lee, Elizabeth Coppin, and Mary Harney, the documentary exposes the devastating impact of these institutions while showcasing the survivors’ resilience and the ongoing fight for accountability.
A story of resistance, hope, and the unwavering pursuit of justice, reminding us that the past must never be erased.
Official Selection Dublin International Film Festival 2025 - World premiere
Official Selection Dinard Film Festival 2025

Details

Year
2025
Type of project
Features
Running time
105 min
Format
Digital
Director
Aoife Kelleher
Producer
Rachel Lysaght, Farah Abushwesha
Editor
Emer Reynolds
Director of Photography
Eleanor Bowman, Linda Hall, Ruairi O'Brien, Robbie Ryan, Michael Lavelle
Composer
Tom Hodge
Principal cast
With contributions from: Philomena Lee, Imelda Staunton, Elizabeth Coppin, Mary Harney

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

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