A Filmmaker’s Journey Through War

Ukrainian director Mstyslav Chernov, who on Sunday won the first Academy Award for his country for the “20 Days in Mariupol” documentary about the Russian siege of the port city, said he would rather have no Oscar and no war waged against his country. Chernov, a video journalist for The Associated Press, shot the film during the first days of Russia’s 2022 invasion in Ukraine when trapped in Mariupol with a team of journalists. On Sunday, the film won the Oscar for best documentary feature. “This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian history, and I’m honoured,” Chernov said in a powerful acceptance speech to a standing ovation. “But probably I will be the first director on this stage who will say I wish I never made this film. I wish to be able to exchange this to Russia never attacking Ukraine, never occupying our cities … but I cannot change history. Cannot change the past.” Mariupol became a byword for horror during a nearly three-month-long Russian siege of the strategic port city between March and May 2022, with trapped civilians forced to bury their dead by the roadside. At least 8,000 people were killed by fighting or war-related causes during the siege, one of the biggest battles of the nearly two-year war between Russia and Ukraine, the Human Rights Watch said in February. Two years on the war, which has killed thousands on both sides, displaced millions and turned Ukrainian cities into rubble, has no end in sight, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy calling continuously on his Western allies to provide Kyiv with necessary military supplies. “This is a humanitarian emergency, and a matter of supporting the civilians that are being attacked and being killed,” Chernov said at a press conference after the awards. “It’s not my job to try to convince anyone of anything. Our job is to provide as much context and information as possible.”
Amidst the glittering backdrop of the Academy Awards ceremony, Mstyslav Chernov’s poignant acceptance speech echoed through the grand hall, capturing both the triumph of artistic achievement and the somber reality of war. As he stood on stage, clutching the prestigious Oscar statuette, Chernov’s words carried the weight of his experiences in Mariupol, a city besieged by violence and tragedy.The journey that led Chernov to this moment began amidst the chaos and uncertainty of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As a seasoned video journalist for The Associated Press, he found himself thrust into the heart of the conflict, documenting the harrowing stories of those trapped in Mariupol. With a small team of dedicated journalists, Chernov embarked on a mission to bear witness to the unfolding tragedy, armed with nothing but his camera and a steadfast commitment to truth-telling.

“20 Days in Mariupol,” the documentary that would eventually earn Chernov international acclaim, was born out of the crucible of war. Through his lens, the world witnessed the human cost of aggression and the resilience of ordinary people caught in its crosshairs. Chernov’s footage captured moments of raw emotion and quiet defiance, painting a vivid portrait of life amid the ruins of a city under siege.

The film’s journey to the Oscars was a testament to Chernov’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his commitment to shining a light on the darkest corners of conflict. As nominations were announced and awards season approached, “20 Days in Mariupol” garnered attention for its raw honesty and unflinching portrayal of war’s brutal realities.

When the moment of triumph finally arrived on Oscar night, Chernov found himself grappling with conflicting emotions. While grateful for the recognition bestowed upon his work, he couldn’t shake the profound sadness that lingered in his heart. For every accolade received, there were countless lives lost and families shattered by violence.

In his acceptance speech, Chernov spoke not only as a filmmaker but as a son of Ukraine, a country ravaged by war and longing for peace. His words resonated with audiences around the world, serving as a powerful reminder of the human toll of conflict and the urgent need for empathy and solidarity in the face of adversity.

As the applause faded and the cameras turned elsewhere, Chernov remained steadfast in his resolve to continue telling the stories that needed to be told. He knew that the journey was far from over, and that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges and obstacles. But armed with the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit, he vowed to press on, in pursuit of a future where peace and justice prevailed.

In the aftermath of his Oscar win, Chernov became a symbol of hope and resilience for his fellow Ukrainians, inspiring a new generation of artists and activists to raise their voices in the pursuit of truth and justice. His legacy would endure not only in the annals of cinema but in the hearts and minds of all those who dared to dream of a better world.