EXCLUSIVE: Rejuvenating mud baths, hydro massages, electro treatments, and salt pool therapies – these are among the amenities available at the Kuyalnik Sanatorium in Odesa on the Black Sea.
Ukrainians head to this crumbling Soviet era spa for relaxation and health benefits despite the alarming proximity of war. The documentary Sanatorium, making its world premiere in competition at CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, explores this unique resort, its patrons and personnel. We have your first look at the film, directed by Gar O’Rourke, in the trailer above.
“Sanatorium takes us through a summer season at this unusual place,” notes a synopsis, “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
Venom
The film marks the feature directorial debut of O’Rourke, whose previous credits include the short documentary Kachalka, which he also shot in Ukraine. In a director’s statement, O’Rourke explained that he first visited the Kuyalnik Sanatorium before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, quickly falling in love with the spa after a week’s worth of mud baths and other treatments.
“Despite the sanatorium being in a 1970s time warp, there was this almost intangible magic to this place and I was completely convinced I needed to make a film to try and capture this magic and share it with the world,” he writes. “Less than a year after my first trip to the sanatorium the Russian invasion happened. This completely changed everything. For more than a year it looked like it would not be possible to return to the sanatorium, let alone make a film there.”
O’Rourke says he was able to return to Kuyalnik six months into the war. “I was deeply moved by the sense of resilience and determination amongst the staff to continue offering treatments for the many Ukrainians who were brave enough to visit the sanatorium despite the war happening around them.”
“The motivation, tonally,” the director continues, “was to show a sun soaked summer destination, which would strike an immediate contrast to the darkness of the war looming all around them. From the very beginning,I wanted this film to take people by surprise and show them a perspective of life in Ukraine during the war, something that we had not seen before in media or in films.
“The motivation to make this film was to tell a story about the power of the human spirit and of human resilience. I saw firsthand just how courageous and brave both the staff and guests were by being there at the sanatorium during such dangerous times.”
A woman prepares for a treatment in ‘Sanatorium’
Venom/MetFilm Sales
Sanatorium premieres on Monday, March 24, with additional screenings on March 25, 27, and 30. The film is produced by Andrew Freedman, Samantha Corr, and Ken Wardrop.
‘We believe this is a hugely important story to tell for a variety of reasons,” the producers write. “Firstly, this is a story which captures, in real time, the experience of what it’s like living during a war. The film shows both the physical and psychological impact which a war has on an individual. Secondly, we have always felt that this film is important because it offers a different perspective to the countless war torn images that we have seen over the past few years. In contrast to this, it shows Ukrainians trying their best to enjoy a brief moment of relaxation and enjoyment in their lives. It’s a film where we see Ukrainians laugh, dance, sing, play and forge new friendships.”
The producers continue, “For most of us who have never experienced a war, we believe seeing scenes like this helps people to connect on a more human and emotional level to the lives of everyday Ukrainians. We can see ourselves in their lives. The staff and guests in Kuyalnyk are really just looking for health, healing and happiness – like all of us around the world.”
Director of photography Denys Melnyk shot the film; John Murphy edited Sanatorium. The executive producer for Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is Greg Martin; executive producer for MetFilm Sales is Zak Brilliant; executive producers for Petite Maison Production are Tessa Louise-Salomé and Luc Sorrel; the executive producer for BBC Storyville is Emma Hindley.
Kuyalnik Sanatorium patrons enjoy a soak as smoke rises in the distance
Venom/MetFilm Sales
MetFilm Sales is handling sales of the documentary.
“We are delighted and honored to have Sanatorium premiere at CPH:DOX festival,” director Gar O’Rourke tells Deadline in a statement. “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 honored 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.”
O’Rourke comments, “CPH:DOX is an amazing home to premiere our film and begin its journey into the world. I want to express my continued gratitude to the incredible people who were both in front and behind the camera, who gave their heartfelt dedication to making this film possible.”
Watch the Sanatorium trailer above.
Content shared from deadline.com.