In Irish Cinemas 5 September
We are delighted to celebrate the news that SANATORIUM has been announced as Ireland’s Official Entry for the 2026 Academy Awards® (International Feature Film category). This achievement is particularly special for the WFT community, as the film will be released by Eclipse Pictures, home to our Vice President Siobhán Farrell and member Claire Dunlop.
Their work, alongside the creative team behind SANATORIUM, ensures this moving and powerful film will reach audiences across Ireland and internationally.
Fresh from winning Best Irish Feature Documentary at the Galway Film Fleadh, the film follows in the steps of Oscar-Nominated An Cailín Ciúin (2023) and Oscar-shortlisted Kneecap (2025), and will compete with films from around the world for next year’s Academy Awards.
SANATORIUM will be released by Eclipse Pictures in cinemas nationwide from Friday 5 September 2025.
About The Film
Set in the Kuyalnik Sanatorium near Odesa, Ukraine, SANATORIUM is a moving, witty, and deeply human portrait of resilience and hope. In a crumbling Soviet-era spa, staff and guests come together over one summer season, seeking love, healing, and renewal in the shadow of war.
Eclipse Pictures is proud to release this important film to Irish audiences on the big screen – a story that not only showcases Gar O’Rourke’s artistry and the craft of Venom Films, but also celebrates the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people.
The film had its World Premiere at CPH:DOX, screening in international competition, and has since gone on to screen at major festivals including Visions du Réel, Melbourne International Film Festival, DocuDays UA, Edinburgh International Film Festival, and the Galway Film Fleadh, where it won Best Irish Feature Documentary.
Quotes
Gar O’Rourke, Writer/Director:
“To represent Ireland on the biggest stage in world cinema is an incredible honour. This film set out to show the power of healing, the resilience of community, and above all, the strength of the Ukrainian spirit in the face of traumatic times. I’m deeply grateful to IFTA, Screen Ireland, and our Irish and Ukrainian collaborators who made this possible.”
Andrew Freedman, Producer, Venom Films:
“For us, SANATORIUM is above all a salute to the resilient community of Kuyalnik Sanatorium outside Odesa – where even in the shadow of war, people come to heal, to laugh and to show extraordinary humanity. We’re honoured that this story will carry Ireland’s voice to the Academy Awards.”
Áine Moriarty, Chief Executive, IFTA:
“IFTA is delighted to announce SANATORIUM as Ireland’s entry for the Oscars International Feature Film category. What an intriguing and quietly powerful film, with its vibrant and visually stunning setting and colourful cast of real-life characters who find escapism within an unconventional wellness centre in Ukraine. It is inspiring to see an Irish creative team collaborate with Ukrainian colleagues to capture these moments in time that will resonate with international audiences.”
Keith Potter, Head of Film, Screen Ireland:
“We’re delighted to congratulate director Gar O’Rourke and the entire creative team behind Irish documentary Sanatorium, on being selected by IFTA as Ireland’s official entry to the 98th Academy Awards. From its premiere at CPH:DOX in Copenhagen to its recent win at the Galway Film Fleadh, this cinematic Irish documentary continues to make connections with audiences, and we wish the team the best of luck as it continues its journey around the world.”
Irish Selection Committee
SANATORIUM was chosen by IFTA’s Selection Committee, chaired by IFTA Chief Executive Áine Moriarty, and including leading Irish filmmakers, producers and actors such as Kirsten Sheridan, Rich Peppiatt, Neasa Hardiman, Louise Kiely, Aoife McArdle and Barry Ward.
Key Details
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Director: Gar O’Rourke
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Producers: Andrew Freedman, Ken Wardrop, Samantha Corr – Venom Films
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Editor: John Murphy
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Cinematography: Denys Melnyk
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Running Time: 91 mins
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Cert: 15A
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Irish Release Date: 5 September 2025
Watch the trailer here:
