Award-Winning Mariupol Documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” Premieres in Ukraine, Eliciting Emotional Reactions

The highly acclaimed documentary film, “20 Days in Mariupol,” had its premiere in Ukraine on Saturday. The screening marked the first time Ukrainian medics and first responders, who were prominently featured in the film, witnessed their own remarkable stories unfold on the big screen. The documentary chronicles the relentless bombing and invasion of the port city by Russian forces last year.

As the film played to a packed theater in Kyiv, it evoked a range of emotions. The audience responded with repeated standing ovations, tears, and hugs as they paid tribute to the dedicated civil servants who tirelessly worked in and around a Mariupol hospital, which served as a focal point of the documentary. These individuals played a crucial role during the early days of the battle for the city, which eventually succumbed to Russian control.

For some attendees, the screening served as a haunting flashback, reminding them of their own near-death experiences. The film vividly captures the inescapable fate suffered by countless victims, including helpless toddlers, infants, and expectant mothers, whose final moments are depicted on-screen as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The screening of this joint project between The Big Big News and PBS Frontline not only provided closure to those involved but also expressed gratitude for the global exposure the footage received. Many viewers recognized the historical significance of the documentary, which was made possible by the tireless efforts of Big Big News journalist Mstyslav Chernov, AP photographer Evgeniy Maloletka, and AP producer Vasilisa Stepanenko. The three journalists remained in Mariupol the longest, serving as the world’s eyes and ears amidst the horrors of the siege. Alongside their Paris-based colleague Lori Hinnant, they were honored with the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for public service in May.

The documentary almost didn’t see the light of day, as communication networks collapsed and Russian forces closed in. Snippets of footage were sent through mobile phones, while the remaining content was taken by the journalists during their final escape from the city.

“After the release of this material, the entire world started supporting us as the real fighters we are,” said Volodymyr Nikulin, a Mariupol police officer who played a vital role in ensuring the devastation reached a global audience. “This movie has already become part of our history.”

Spanning 94 minutes, the film has garnered numerous awards, including recognition at the Cinema for Peace competition, the Cleveland International Film Festival, and its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January. A wider release in U.S. theaters is set to begin next month.

Director Mstyslav Chernov expressed his hope that the documentary would give voice to all Ukrainians and contribute to international justice and accountability. However, he acknowledged that the film only scratches the surface of the immense tragedies that unfolded across various regions of Ukraine.

For many, the documentary serves as a reminder that Mariupol remains under Russian occupation, underscoring the ongoing struggle to reclaim the city for Ukrainian control. Nikulin optimistically stated, “I am confident that one day we will watch this movie in Mariupol.”

Follow AP’s comprehensive coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://bigbignews.net/russia-ukraine

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