At the prestigious British Academy Film Awards, the Ukrainian documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” was recognized as the best documentary on February 18.
Captured amidst the harrowing Russian blockade of Mariupol in Donetsk Oblast, the film delves into the catastrophic events following Russia’s full-scale invasion initiated on February 24, 2022. As the siege persisted until May of the same year, it is believed to have claimed the lives of thousands of Ukrainian citizens.
Under the direction of Ukrainian journalist Mstyslav Chernov, the documentary delivers a vivid frontline account. Chernov, arriving in Mariupol with fellow Associated Press journalists on the day the invasion began, courageously documented the city’s struggles for 20 continuous days amid relentless shelling.
Since its January 2023 debut, “20 Days in Mariupol” has garnered international attention and recognition, snagging awards at prominent film festivals such as Sundance Film Festival, International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, and Hot Docs Canadian Documentary Festival. The film is also a contender for the Best Documentary Feature Film at the upcoming 96th Academy Awards, set to take place on March 11.
In related literary news, Simon Shuster’s work titled ‘Showman,’ which aimed to serve as an authoritative biography of President Volodymyr Zelensky, sheds light on the Ukrainian leader’s perspective regarding Russia’s relentless assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty. The book captures Zelensky’s contemplative comments during a train journey from the front lines to Kyiv in 2022.
FAQ About ’20 Days in Mariupol’ and Its BAFTA Win
Q: What is “20 Days in Mariupol” about?
A: “20 Days in Mariupol” is a documentary that provides an eyewitness account of the siege of Mariupol, capturing the reality on the ground during the initial weeks of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Q: Who directed “20 Days in Mariupol”?
A: The documentary was directed by Mstyslav Chernov, a Ukrainian journalist who was one of the first to enter Mariupol with his Associated Press colleagues as the invasion started.
Q: Has “20 Days in Mariupol” won other awards besides the BAFTA?
A: Yes, “20 Days in Mariupol” has been awarded at various film festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival, International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, and Hot Docs Canadian Documentary Festival.
Q: Is “20 Days in Mariupol” nominated for an Oscar?
A: Yes, the film is nominated for an Oscar award in the Best Documentary Feature Film category, with the winners to be announced at the 96th Academy Awards.
Q: What does the documentary reveal about the situation in Ukraine?
A: The film vividly conveys the brutality of the siege, the human suffering it inflicted, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people during the relentless bombardment by Russian forces.
Conclusion
The BAFTA award for best documentary is a testament to the compelling storytelling and the critical importance of “20 Days in Mariupol” in documenting a significant moment in contemporary history. Through Mstyslav Chernov’s lens, international audiences have witnessed the devastating impact of the siege on the people of Mariupol, offering a harrowing perspective on the war in Ukraine. With its Oscar nomination, the documentary continues to shine a grim light on the conflict, emphasizing the human toll and the enduring spirit of those affected.
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