Sanatorium, a documentary directed by Gar O'Rourke about a former Ukrainian health resort in Ukraine, is Ireland's submission for the Best International Long-Distance Category at the 98th Academy Awards . The Irish Academy of Film and Television Arts and Sciences announced its official entry for the International Long-Distance Oscar category on Tuesday.
In 2022, The Quiet Girl became the first Irish-submitted film to be nominated in the category. The country has never won the international Oscar.
Last year's presentation was Peppiat rico Rodilla .
“Both patients and staff search for health, happiness, and love as the [Russia-started] war echoes through the verdant corridors of Kuyalny Sanatorium,” reads a synopsis for the film: “Every summer, thousands of people of all ages flock to a vast ex-Soviet treatment center in Odeesa, on Ukraine . A 1970s-era capsule, built in the era’s brutalist style, also offers therapeutic treatments from the Soviet Union’s glory days. The main attraction is the mysterious mud, believed to cure infertility, chronic illness, and a host of other health problems.”
But beyond physical health goals, many guests are truly seeking happiness and love above all else. Sanatorium Shows like O'Rourke and cinematographer Denys Melnyk's camera follow them to tell their stories. As such, The Doctor is also a declaration of love for the Ukrainian people, their spirit, and their resilience.
Sanatorium was produced by Venom Films by Ken Wardrop and IFTA winner Andrew Freedman ( Yours and Hers, Making the Note ), along with Samantha Corr. Sanatorium was co-produced by 2332 Films in Ukraine and made with support from Screen Ireland, BBC Storyville, MetFilm Sales, France TV and Creative Europe. The film was edited by John Murphy ( Un Cailin Ciúin ), with Denys Melnyk ( Militantrofos ) as director of photography. Irish distributor Eclipse Pictures will release the film in Irish theaters on September 5.
Sanatorium had its world debut at CPH:DOX in Copenhagen's main international competition in March, before hitting the festival circuit.
