Ireland’s Oscar submission will make its London premiere on the opening night of the Women’s and World Film Festival, which opens on November 6 with a star-studded gala featuring Lady Sophie Windsor.
Gar O’Rourke’s Sanatorium was Ireland’s entry in the Best International Feature Film category. This documentary explores themes of memory and rebirth in a war-torn former Soviet sanatorium near Odessa.
The festival, which will run from November 6th to 12th, will kick off with a ceremony where newly appointed festival ambassador Windsor will present the Women of Global Impact Award before the screening of “Sanatorium.”
“We are proud to announce that Dame Sophie Windsor has become an ambassador for the festival,” said festival director Ksenia Bugrimova. “We know Sophie as someone who cares deeply about social issues and uses her voice to support worthy causes. As an actress, public figure and member of the British Royal Family, her values and work align perfectly with our festival’s mission to celebrate and support women in film. We are honored and delighted to welcome Sophie to the festival.”
This year’s program will feature films from Ukraine, Ireland, the UK, the US, Japan, China, Latin America and across Europe, exploring themes ranging from war and cancer to identity and domestic violence.
“For us, it’s not only about celebrating women’s creativity in film, but also about recognizing women as agents of change and safety. This mission is both personal and essential,” said co-founder Maria Vinogradova.
The 2025 jury includes Peter Straughan (Conclave, Tinker Tailor Spy), Daniel Ings (The Gentlemen, The Crown), and Tamara Law. Lance (Silent Twins, Time), Victoria Emslie (Downton Abbey, 12 Monkeys, Grace), Diem Camille (Wheel of Time, Alien: Earth), Bugrimova and Elizabeth McIntyre (ScreenCraft Works, former Sheffield Doctor/Fest Director).
The festival is organized by Talented U Limited, a London-based cultural platform and production team founded in 2022 by Ukrainian producers. The not-for-profit organization brings together filmmakers, journalists and creators from over 12 countries to bring Ukrainian stories to UK and international audiences.
