“UN Hosts Exclusive Screening of AP’s Award-Winning Documentary Depicting Russia’s Siege of Mariupol”

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In a distinguished gathering at the United Nations headquarters in New York, over a hundred prominent figures, including ambassadors, journalists, and representatives from various sectors of society, convened for a special screening of the acclaimed documentary titled “20 Days in Mariupol.” Produced jointly by the Associated Press (AP) and the PBS series “Frontline,” this documentary chronicles the relentless siege of Mariupol by Russia during the early stages of the war in Ukraine.

Co-hosted by U.K. Ambassador Barbara Woodward and U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the screening carries significant importance. Ambassador Woodward emphasized that the film underscores the threat Russia’s invasion of Ukraine poses to the fundamental principles of the United Nations—an international order where the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations are paramount. It serves as a reaffirmation of the commitment to U.N. values.

This screening coincides with the commencement of the 78th session of the U.N. General Assembly and precedes the annual meeting of world leaders. The conflict in Ukraine, which has endured for over 18 months, is expected to be a focal point of discussions, especially with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy scheduled to address the assembly in person for the first time.

“20 Days in Mariupol” is a poignant documentary that draws from 30 hours of footage captured by AP journalist Mstyslav Chernov and his colleagues during their time in Mariupol after Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022. The documentary vividly portrays the intense street battles, the immense suffering endured by Mariupol’s residents and medical teams, and the devastating attacks that claimed the lives of innocent civilians, including pregnant women and children. The siege concluded on May 20, 2022, with the surrender of a small group of valiant Ukrainian fighters at the Azovstal steel plant. The city lay in ruins, and the toll of casualties, estimated at 25,000, likely exceeds this grim figure.

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield aptly described “20 Days in Mariupol” as a testament to “the horrors of Putin’s war of aggression.” The documentary serves as a powerful tool to bear witness to these horrors and reaffirm the commitment to justice and peace. Holding Russia accountable for its actions and supporting the Ukrainian people during their time of need remain paramount.

The AP’s reporting from Mariupol drew considerable attention and, at times, the ire of the Kremlin. Ukraine’s U.N. Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya, present at the screening, expressed his belief that this documentary’s impact will endure for decades. He asserted that its strength and significance will persist, even fifty years from now.

Julie Pace, AP Senior Vice President and Executive Editor, underscored the importance of fact-based journalism on a global scale, emphasizing the vital role of a free press in covering the world’s most critical stories and enabling the public to access fact-based reporting.

“20 Days in Mariupol” has garnered numerous accolades, including the Sundance Global Audience Award for Best Documentary. Mstyslav Chernov, along with his colleagues Evgeniy Maloletka, Vasilisa Stepanenko, and correspondent Lori Hinnant, received the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for their courageous reporting on Mariupol.

Chernov, delivering a video message from Ukraine, acknowledged the limitations of a journalist’s role in effecting change but emphasized the importance of ensuring that the world knows and remembers the events in Mariupol. He highlighted that similar events continue to unfold in other Ukrainian cities, making it crucial to stop the ongoing conflict.

Raney Aronson-Rath, editor-in-chief and executive producer of “Frontline,” expressed the profound significance of sharing this documentary with global audiences, offering them a chance to bear witness to the atrocities endured by Ukrainians.

In conclusion, the screening of “20 Days in Mariupol” at the United Nations serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of journalism in documenting these events for the world to see and remember.

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• AP’s Coverage of the War in Ukraine