Diagnosis: Dissent (, also known as Madmen) is a 2023 Ukrainian feature film, a historical drama directed by Denys Tarasov, whose characters in the 1970s confront the Soviet system's use of punitive psychiatry to suppress dissent.
The world premiere took place at the Warsaw International Film Festival on October 13, 2023. The film received a Special Mention Award in the 1-2 COMPETITION section. It was released in Ukrainian theaters on October 31, 2024. Box office earnings amounted to ₴4.2 million.
Plot In the 1970s, Andriy Dovzhenko, a young, creative, and freedom-loving individual, discovers that many accused of "anti-Soviet activity" were sent to special psychiatric hospitals rather than prisons, diagnosed with a KGB-invented condition—"sluggish schizophrenia." Trapped in the horrors of punitive psychiatry, Andriy faces a choice: cooperate with the KGB to return to his family or expose the truth about dissidents tortured in psychiatric facilities.
Throughout the film, Andriy (played by Kostiantyn Temliak) undergoes a profound transformation, grappling with whether his rebellion against the Soviet system stems from a desire to stand out or a genuine pursuit of human free will. He represents a composite of freedom-loving individuals caught in the KGB's grip due to their rejection of the oppressive communist regime.
Cast Actor Role Kostiantyn Temliak Andriy Dovzhenko Nataliia Babenko Oksana Dovzhenko Serhiy Kalantai Valentyn Stelmakh Irma Vitovska-Vantsa Iryna Lakhnovska Ostap Stupka Mykola Khudymchuk Vitaliy Salii Kozych Serhiy Kysil Vitaliy Kravets Andriy Mostrenko Rohoza Dmytro Oliinyk Hamlet Oles Katsion Orderly Levchenko Pavlo Kostitsyn Volodymyr Prus Anastasiia Pustovit Nurse Yevhen Chernykov Mykola Bantysh Oleg Stefan Oleg Stefan Artem Martynyshyn Orderly Fatman Oleg Stalchuk Radio Director Viktor Zhdanov Hamlet's Father Roman Yakymchuk Zhukovets Viacheslav Bielozorov Morozov Oleksandr Hannochenko Doctor Tamara Morozova Doctor Oleksandr Hryhoriev Doctor Anton Solovei Radio Colleague Anastasiia Atamanchuk Reception Nurse Hryhorii Bokovenko Grandfather Anton Zakharchuk Ghost Oleksii Komarovskyi Bayan
Creative Team Director: Denys Tarasov Writers: Kseniia Zastavska, Oleksandr Hlasenko Producers: Valeriia Ivanenko, Artem Koliubaiev, Taras Bosak Cinematographer: Yevhenii Kyrei Production Designer: Ivan Tyshchenko Composer: Hosein Mirzagoli Sound Designer: Ivan Haladiuk Editor: Mikael Torgomian Costume Designer: Yana Nikitenko Makeup Artist: Serhiy Maurin Casting Director: Olena Artiomova Consultants: Semen Gluzman, Valeriia Ivanenko Co-producers: Volodymyr Bulba, Maksym Leshchanka
Production The film marked the feature directorial debut of Denys Tarasov.
"Diagnosis: Dissent is a story about the unequal struggle of one small individual against the powerful mechanism of a totalitarian state with its sprawling network of spies and agents who, like parasites, fed on its vitality and the lives of innocent citizens. Clearly, defeating such an enemy is impossible without personal sacrifice. Dissidents waged a long battle, with something greater than personal life at stake. Friends, colleagues, relatives, and family were all at risk. Only a few could risk these sacred elements of any society and stubbornly pursue their goal—freedom and democracy," says director Denys Tarasov.
The director focused heavily on recreating the 1970s era, including sets, costumes, hairstyles, actors' appearances, and music. On the first day of shooting, Tarasov wore a 1970s-style outfit—flared trousers, a shirt, a wig, and long hair—to immerse himself in the atmosphere and connect with the actors.
Composer Hosein Mirzagoli created a soundtrack in the style of 1970s Western rock, reminiscent of an unreleased Led Zeppelin album. Music plays a pivotal role in the film, serving not just as background but as a symbol of freedom, a driver, and a catalyst for events.
The film was produced with support from the State Agency of Ukraine on Cinema.
Awards and nominations Year Festival Category / Award Nominee Result 2023 Warsaw International Film Festival Special Mention in 1-2 Competition Diagnosis: Dissent Won Audience Award Diagnosis: Dissent Won 2024 Transilvania International Film Festival Larger than Life Section Diagnosis: Dissent Nominated Odesa International Film Festival National Competition: Ukrainian Feature Films Diagnosis: Dissent Nominated Montreal International Film Festival Best Director Denys Tarasov Won Best Actor Kostiantyn Temliak Won OKO International Ethnographic Film Festival OKO GLOBAL: Feature Film Competition Diagnosis: Dissent Nominated
Theatrical Release The nationwide theatrical premiere in Ukraine took place on October 31, 2024. Theatrical distribution and promotion were handled by FILM.UA Distribution, known for its portfolio of national and Eastern European films ranging from arthouse to blockbusters, and Kinomania.
References
External links
Diagnosis: Dissent at DzygaMDB