The Ukrainian team behind the Oscar-winning documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” faced life-threatening conditions to capture footage for their award-winning film. Director Mstyslav Chernov, photographer Evgeniy Maloletka, and field producer Vasilisa Stepanenko braved the danger as they stayed behind in the city of Mariupol, remaining even after most residents and journalists from major media organizations evacuated following Russia’s full-scale invasion two years ago.
The team’s efforts led to gripping content for the Associated Press, which they transmitted via a weak mobile signal even as Russian forces were wreaking havoc in the city. They successfully captured the horrifying reality of the onslaught, providing the world with images of ruined maternity hospitals, children losing their lives in their parents’ arms, and the devastating impact of the Russian bombs.
The journalists were assisted in their escape by Ukrainian soldiers, who risked their lives fearing that if the journalists were captured, they would be forced by Russia to discredit their own reports. Accepting the award for Best Documentary, Chernov expressed his regret saying he wished he hadn’t had to create the film. He longed to trade the award for a world where Russia had never attacked Ukraine.
The film’s success has been celebrated in Ukraine, which continues to withstand constant bombardments and an ongoing offensive from Russian ground forces in the east. The victory serves as a critical reminder of the country’s struggles. “This award is significant for our entire country. The unconscionable horrors of Mariupol should always be remembered. Everyone across the globe needs to be aware and bear in mind the brutality brought upon our people by the inhuman Russian invasion,” stated the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Russian artillery resulted in a number of cities and small towns being annihilated, residences set ablaze, and entire families murdered and interred in their gardens in Ukraine. International aid, delivered swiftly and without interruption, is vitally needed in Ukraine due to such acts of Russian aggression. This documentary serves as a reminder of this grisly fact. The continuous malevolence of Russia neither halts nor seeks harmony, and Ukraine is thankful for the global understanding and support. Everyone who exposes the truth about Russia’s heinous war actions is appreciated.
Petro Andryushchenko, aide to the ousted mayor of Mariupol, highlighted the agitated reactions in Russian media to the award-winning film. In their eyes, the Oscars’ recognition made them feel as if significant Russian landmarks had been blown up; it underscored the importance of Mariupol’s 20-day victory.
Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and current deputy chairman of its security council, acknowledged the distribution of Oscars, however, he failed to mention the film about Mariupol. He floated the idea of how the Russian film industry should react, recognising its improved quality over the past decade or so. He admired the evolution in terms of scripting, direction, and acting, even as he is aware of the significant emigration of Russia’s finest artistes.
The way forward outlined by Medvedev is to produce war films, despite apprehension about inaccurate portrayal of revered subjects. He emphasised that any depiction of war must stray from being crude, coarse, or overly dramatised. He passionately advocated for the creation of movies that pay tribute to their heroes and that document their deeds, in order for people not only to become aware but also remember. He stressed that this is the period to create cinema that does justice to their stories. Medvedev strongly signaled that it’s high time to act.
The Oscar’s tribute segment commenced with an extract from the preceding year’s triumphant documentary, Navalny, which tells the tale of Russian dissent leader, Alexei Navalny and his narrow escape from a potentially lethal poisoning allegedly induced by Russia’s security services in 2020. Unfortunately, he succumbed last month in a polar prison following his indictment upon his reentry into Russia. His bereaved wife, Yulia Navalnaya, who has pledged to sustain his crusade for democracy in Russia, expressed her commendations on social media to Mstyslav Chernov and the whole crew of 20 Days in Mariupol for their genuinely worthy and significant Oscar triumph. [Alexei Navalny: fiery advocate for a ‘promising future of Russia’].