Screen Ireland supported documentary Sanatorium to receive World Premiere at CPH:DOX
Posted: 13th February 2025
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is delighted to congratulate Gar O’Rourke, Venom Films and the entire creative team behind Sanatorium, which has been selected to make its World Premiere at CPH:DOX, one of the biggest documentary festivals in the world. The festival announced today the films nominated across its six awards category, with its full programme to follow on 26th February.
Shot on location in Ukraine, Sanatorium takes viewers inside Kuyalnik Sanatorium on the outskirts of Odesa, a vast Soviet-era health retreat where visitors undergo traditional treatments, find community, and navigate a summer like no other - despite the war unfolding around them. The film offers a striking and deeply human portrait of resilience, longing, and the pursuit of solace in an uncertain world.
Produced by Venom Films (Ireland) in co-production with 2332 (Ukraine) and BBC Storyville, the film was made with the support of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and Creative Media. Met Film Distribution is handling worldwide distribution.
Director Gar O’Rourke shared his reaction to the selection:
We are delighted and honoured to have Sanatorium premiere at CPH:DOX festival in March. Making this film has been a remarkable journey for everyone involved, a journey that originally began back with my first trip to the sanatorium in 2021 - almost a year before the Russian invasion. Back then, we could have never imagined how life would unfold for the people working and visiting this unique facility. From the very beginning, our goal was to make a film which would capture the heart and soul of this incredible holiday & health resort, and show the resilience and humanity of the people working and visiting there. We're honoured to finally be able to share this film with audiences around the world and reveal perhaps a different perspective of life in Ukraine during the war. We are forever grateful to the wonderful staff and guests at Kuyalnik, along with our Ukrainian crew, who gave their time and heartfelt dedication to making this film possible."
Producer Andrew Freedman commented on the selection:
This has been a truly special project for Venom Films. Working with Gar from development through to production has been an incredible journey, and we’re so pleased to see Sanatorium recognised at CPH:DOX. Having collaborated with our partners 2332 in Ukraine before the war, it was especially meaningful to work with them again on this film. Sanatorium offers a rare and vital glimpse into the lives of ordinary people showing extraordinary resilience in the face of ongoing conflict. At a time when Ukraine remains at the centre of world events, we are proud to play a role in bringing their stories to audiences globally.”
Sanatorium’s selection follows recent Irish success at CPH:DOX, including The Flats (winner of the prestigious DOX:AWARD in 2023) and Housewife of the Year, further cementing Ireland’s presence on the global documentary stage. The festival, running from 19th-30th March, 2025, is internationally recognised for championing innovative, thought-provoking non-fiction storytelling. An online Danish-wide release from 28th March - 13th April will follow the film’s CPH:DOX screenings via the festival’s streaming platform.