On Thursday, August 31st, a remarkable documentary film titled “20 дней в Мариуполе” (20 Days in Mariupol) will be released on screens across Ukraine. This powerful documentary is the result of an incredible effort by the Associated Press team.
About the Film and Its Creators
1. The Debut Work of Mstislav Chernov
“20 Days in Mariupol” marks the debut documentary by Mstislav Chernov, a Ukrainian war correspondent, photographer, videographer, and writer. Joining him in the creation of this film were photographer Evgeny Maloletka and producer-journalist Vasilisa Stepanenko. They arrived in the city just hours before the full-scale Russian invasion, deciding to stay for several days to document the unfolding events. They became the sole representatives of the media who could report news from the besieged Mariupol. Thanks to their tireless work, the world was able to witness the crimes committed by Russians on Ukrainian soil.
The entire film is a skillfully crafted documentary, divided into days. Chernov, along with Maloletka and Stepanenko, constantly roamed the city, capturing various scenes: bombings, the efforts of medics and utility workers, the tragic deaths of children, the resilience of soldiers and police, and the desperate attempts to break free from occupation.
However, the real stars of this film are the people and their stories. Chernov gently interviews the city’s residents, getting to know their feelings and their names. While people were initially reluctant to answer his questions in the first few days, their attitude toward the film crew changed significantly over time. This transformation is evident in scenes where a doctor, with tears in his eyes, invites journalists into the operating room as they attempt to save a young boy’s life. Unfortunately, they were unable to save the child. Another scene shows a police officer asking to record his message, and later, amidst explosions, helps the journalists find a way to transmit the recorded footage to show the world the horrors they were enduring.
Importance of Information Access
One crucial aspect of the film is the access to information and how the enemy skillfully manipulates its absence. The film shows the destruction of a maternity hospital, followed by Russian claims that “they do not harm civilians” – a cynical manipulation of facts. International Reaction
The film made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, one of the most prestigious independent film festivals in the United States, in the World Cinema Documentary Competition section. The film received the “Audience Award.”
When the film first made its way to the Sundance Festival, there were debates within the studio about whether international audiences would be able to endure such raw cinema. However, when “20 Days in Mariupol” received the “Audience Award” at Sundance, it became evident that the world wants to see this, the world wants to understand not only what is happening in Ukraine but also to witness profound stories and hear the voices of Ukrainians. The world wants to provide support.
Why You Should Watch This Film
“20 Days in Mariupol” is an unflinching portrayal of the agony and death of a city. Chernov likens it to the death of a human being, a comparison that is difficult to argue against. The film captures an abundance of suffering, pain, despair, and torment.
In this film, you will see the war for what it truly is. You’ll witness communal workers gathering the dead in body bags, as burial in mass graves becomes the only option. You’ll see children dying on operating tables. You’ll witness medics tirelessly striving to save lives, only to experience despair when they cannot. You’ll see soldiers and police bravely standing in defense of their city, knowing that there is no way out.
Moreover, this film is the story of three courageous journalists who risked their lives to show the world the Russian crimes and the genocide of the Ukrainian people.
Watching “20 Days in Mariupol” is a painful experience, as it should be, as the narrator himself says in a voiceover: “It should be painful to watch.”
This film is essential viewing for Ukrainian audiences. It’s an opportunity to witness, with your own eyes, what Russians did to Mariupol at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. It’s a stark reminder that they are doing the same every minute in other temporarily occupied Ukrainian cities.
