IFI International [do not amend]: announced as Ireland’s entry into the 2026 Academy Awards Best International Feature Film

On the outskirts of Odesa, stands Kuyalnyk Sanatorium. Each summer, thousands of Ukrainians come here, drawn by Soviet-era therapies and the chance to relax beside the salt lake. The biggest attraction though, is the mysterious black mud, said to cure infertility, physical disabilities and other ailments. Sanatorium takes us through a summer season at this place, following the staff as they work hard to provide care, comfort, and entertainment for visitors – even with the war continuing close by. For the guests, it’s an oasis of peace where they seek healing, love and renewal in an uncertain world.

Gar O’Rourke’s quietly observational film captures the heart and soul of this remarkable holiday & health resort showing the resilience and humanity of the people working and visiting there and revealing a different perspective of life in Ukraine during the war.

Notes by Sunniva O’Flynn

World premiere: CPX:DOX 2025
Ireland premiere: Galway Film Fleadh 2025

Awards
Student Jury Award, Krakow Film Festival 2025
Best Irish Feature Documentary, Galway Film Fleadh 2025