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Sanatorium

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On the outskirts of Odesa, Ukraine, stands Kuyalnyk Sanatorium -- a large 1970s building that's part hotel and part medical retreat. 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 various other ailments. Sanatorium takes us through a summer season at this unusual place, following the staff as they work hard to provide care, comfort and entertainment for visitors -- even with the war nearby. For the guests, it's a time to seek healing, love and renewal. Despite the airstrikes close by, there's something about the pastel pink and lime green halls of the sanatorium that keeps pulling people back. Maybe it's the hope of rejuvenation or maybe it's something hidden in the mud....

Critics Reviews

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Gemma Creagh Film Ireland Magazine The heart of this film lies in its warmth, grounded in the minutiae of routine. Gar has built a deep rapport with each of these subjects. This space of trust allows not only for authenticity, but for a surprising helping of humour. Sep 9, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews
Sanatorium

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Cast & Crew

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Gar O'Rourke

Director

Andrew Freedman

Producer

Ken Wardrop

Producer

Samantha Corr

Producer

Denys Melnyk

Cinematographer

John Murphy

Film Editor
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Sanatorium

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Movie Info

Synopsis On the outskirts of Odesa, Ukraine, stands Kuyalnyk Sanatorium -- a large 1970s building that's part hotel and part medical retreat. 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 various other ailments. Sanatorium takes us through a summer season at this unusual place, following the staff as they work hard to provide care, comfort and entertainment for visitors -- even with the war nearby. For the guests, it's a time to seek healing, love and renewal. Despite the airstrikes close by, there's something about the pastel pink and lime green halls of the sanatorium that keeps pulling people back. Maybe it's the hope of rejuvenation or maybe it's something hidden in the mud....
Director
Gar O'Rourke
Producer
Andrew Freedman, Ken Wardrop, Samantha Corr
Production Co
Venom
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
Ukrainian
Runtime
1h 31m