Ukrainian film Sanatorium to represent Ireland in the Oscars
In the heart of Ukraine, amidst the shadows of war, lies the Kuyalnik Sanatorium, a historic health center offering solace and healing to its residents. This is the setting for the Irish film "Sanatorium," directed by Gar O'Rourke, a tribute to the power of healing, the resilience of community, and the strength of the Ukrainian spirit in the face of traumatic times.
"Sanatorium" is Gar O'Rourke's debut feature film, and it has been selected by the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) to represent Ireland in the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards. The film has already gained recognition, winning Best Irish Feature Documentary at the Galway Film Fleadh and being screened at various international film festivals, including CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, festivals in Switzerland, Edinburgh, Melbourne, and Kyiv.
The film follows a group of characters, both employees and visitors, as they search for love, healing, and happiness amid the conflict. The story unfolds in a massive 1970s brutalist building on the shores of Odesa, offering a humorous and detailed portrait of these individuals seeking refuge and rejuvenation through unique therapies, including a mysterious black mud said to cure infertility and physical ailments.
"Sanatorium" was produced by Dublin's Venom Films and Ukrainian company 2332 Films. Producers Andrew Freedman, Ken Wardrop, and Samantha Corr see the choice as a recognition of the Irish creative team and the "resilient community of Kuyalnik Sanatorium outside Odesa." Director Gar O'Rourke finds representing Ireland at the Oscars to be an "incredible honor."
The film's selection is notable as Ireland's choice for an Oscar entry predominantly in a non-English language, showcasing the country's openness to diverse cinematic voices beyond English. "Sanatorium" continues to gain recognition, with its release in Irish cinemas scheduled for 5 September by Eclipse Pictures.
Aine Moriarty, IFTA's Chief Executive, praised "Sanatorium" as "intriguing and quietly powerful." The film captures moments in time that will resonate with audiences worldwide due to an Irish director and creative team collaborating with Ukrainian colleagues. "Sanatorium" follows in the footsteps of recent Irish Oscar contenders such as "An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl)" and "Kneecap."
As the 98th Academy Awards take place in Los Angeles on 15 March 2026, the world will watch as "Sanatorium" competes for the prestigious award. The Oscar shortlist for International Feature will be announced on 16 December, with the final five nominees revealed on 22 January. Until then, the film stands as a testament to the power of art, the resilience of the human spirit, and the potential for collaboration amidst adversity.
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