Men in uniform are scattered around a cafe in Sloviansk, a town in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. Military vehicles pass by regularly, creating a sense of tension and unease. Among the crowd, journalist and filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov stands out with his black attire, sunglasses, and med-kit. Despite being only 38, the weariness in his eyes makes him appear older. This weariness is not surprising considering the impact of the war that has been devastating Ukraine since 2014. It has not only destroyed lives but has also given rise to a new generation of young conflict reporters like Chernov.
Chernov’s journey as a conflict photographer began even before the war in Ukraine. He filmed the aftermath of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crash in 2014 and later worked in war-torn areas such as Syria, Karabakh, Iraq, and Kurdistan. In February of last year, he, along with his team, drove to Mariupol, a city in the war zone, when most people were fleeing. They stayed there for almost three weeks, capturing and broadcasting news footage that showcased the devastating impact of the conflict. Their footage, including the bombing of Maternity Hospital No 3, brought global attention to the atrocities happening in Mariupol.
Chernov has now transformed this footage into a feature-length documentary titled “20 Days in Mariupol.” The film immerses viewers in the horrors of Russia’s bombardment of the city and presents a day-by-day account of the events. Chernov’s voiceover provides context and occasional clips show how the footage was used by news agencies. The documentary offers a raw and unflinching depiction of the true horrors of war, and its nomination as Ukraine’s entry for the Oscars is a testament to its power.
Watching “20 Days in Mariupol” is not an easy experience. It includes heart-wrenching scenes of young children dying and overwhelmed medical staff struggling to save lives. The city faces increasingly dire conditions with no power and limited communication. Chernov and his team face numerous challenges in transmitting their footage due to the lack of resources and constant danger. Despite the risks they face, they are driven by a sense of duty to document the tragedy unfolding before them. It is a collective resistance to the helplessness and despair that fuels their determination.
In the film, Chernov reflects on the dilemma he faced as a journalist and a parent with two young daughters. Together with his team, he made the decision to stay in Mariupol, propelled by a belief that their work could contribute to ending the war. Their images did have a significant impact, but the war continued, and their footage was even dismissed as fake by some. This experience, along with his previous reporting on the MH17 crash, shattered Chernov’s illusions about the power of journalism to stop conflicts.
Creating “20 Days in Mariupol” allowed Chernov to give his footage a deeper context and explore more profound questions. He believes that war provides a unique insight into human nature, where primal drives coexist with acts of support and care in the midst of crisis. The documentary captures both the brutality and the surprising resilience of the human spirit.
Audiences who have watched “20 Days in Mariupol” have been deeply affected by the film. Chernov clarifies that it is not the explicit violence that makes it difficult to watch but rather the emotional weight of the story. The film offers a sobering perspective on the realities of war and challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about humanity.
In conclusion, Mstyslav Chernov’s documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” exposes the shocking realities of war and the profound impact it has on both individuals and communities. Through his powerful footage and personal reflections, Chernov sheds light on the immense challenges faced by conflict reporters and the ethical dilemmas they grapple with. The film serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
