Film 'Sanatorium': An Irish Masterpiece Contending for the Oscar

The film 'Sanatorium', directed by Irish filmmaker Gar O'Rourke and filmed in Ukraine, is set to contend for the 'Oscar-2026' nomination in the category of 'Best International Feature Film' representing Ireland.

This was announced by the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA).

Gar O'Rourke, a native of Galway, Ireland, is the director, with producers Andrew Friedman, Ken Wardrop, and Samantha Corr. The film tells the story of the 'Kuyalnik' sanatorium near Odesa, constructed in the 1970s, which serves as both a hotel and a medical center against the backdrop of war. The world premiere of 'Sanatorium' took place at the end of March during the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival. The film has since participated in various international festivals, including Visions Du Reel in Switzerland, the Edinburgh International Film Festival, DocuDays UA, the Melbourne International Film Festival, and the Galway Film Fleadh, where it won the award for 'Best Irish Feature Documentary of 2025'.

The film will be screened in Irish cinemas on September 5. The shortlist for international feature films vying for the 'Oscar-2026' will be announced on December 16, and the final list of nominees will be revealed on January 22, 2026.