Two years have passed since the siege of Mariupol, a grim chapter in the ongoing conflict that left the city under Russian control. However, Ukrainian journalist Mstyslav Chernov remains dedicated to ensuring that the harrowing tale of Mariupol does not fade into oblivion. His documentary, 20 Days in Mariupol, recently clinched the BAFTA for Best Documentary, showcasing the Ukrainian port’s distressing struggle and subsequent fall to Russian forces — an event marked by the loss of at least 22,000 lives and the city’s near-complete destruction.
Chernov, alongside AP colleague Evgeniy Maloletka, braved the besieged city to capture and share the unfolding tragedy with the world. Their commitment to journalism under such perilous conditions underscores the vital role of media in times of crisis.
When asked about the recognition his film received, including awards at Sundance and an Oscar nomination, Chernov expressed a bittersweet sentiment. “I would have preferred that this film did not exist, that there was no need to make it, but it is there, and so now the important thing is that it be seen as much as possible,” he said. He emphasized his duty to the residents of Mariupol, aspiring to their stories and sufferings to be remembered.
Reflecting on the role of journalists in the ongoing war, Chernov shared his realistic perspective on the media’s impact. “In a way, I do not have the hope to change the world. But maybe that’s not our mission,” he remarked. The immediate effects of their work, such as facilitating a humanitarian evacuation corridor and reuniting families through their footage, highlighted the profound influence of journalism. “And if our images have saved a few lives, that’s already a lot,” Chernov added, illustrating the tangible outcomes of their reporting.
Chernov’s dedication to his profession was palpable as he described the challenges of transmitting footage from Mariupol to the outside world. “In 20 days, I was only able to send 40 minutes out of 30 hours of footage,” he recounted, outlining the logistical nightmares faced in the besieged city. This struggle led to the conception of the documentary as a means to convey the full extent of Mariupol’s ordeal.
The journalist also touched upon the personal stories of those he filmed, many of whom have since been located. “These people carry their city in their heart. Their lives have been shattered,” Chernov said, acknowledging the documentary as a tool for survivors to share their stories and cope with their experiences.
Upon being extracted from Mariupol by the Ukrainian army, Chernov denied feeling guilt but acknowledged a shared sentiment of helplessness among those who left. “That of not being able to have done more. To respond to that, I made a film,” he stated, highlighting the therapeutic and memorializing role of his work.
20 Days in Mariupol stands as a testament to the resilience of journalists and the power of media to document, inform, and perhaps heal, in the aftermath of tragedy. Chernov’s work ensures that the story of Mariupol, emblematic of the broader horrors of war, remains in the collective consciousness, urging the world to remember and reflect.
With AFP
Read more
Comments