Sanatorium (Sanatorium)

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. 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.