The documentary film “20 Days in Mariupol” has been nominated for an Oscar in the category of best documentary film. The film, directed by Mstyslav Chernov with photographer Evgeniy Maloletka and field producer Vasilisa Stepanenko, documented 20 days in the besieged city of Mariupol within the first few weeks of Russia’s invasion. The co-production of AP and PBS’ “Frontline” is the first nomination by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the news agency.
Chernov and his crew were the only journalists in the city on the Black Sea when the attack began. The film chronicles each day with Chernov’s voice-over commentary.
The film has already received many awards, accolades and nominations. Chernov, Maloletka, Stepanenko and Lori Hinnant won the Pulitzer Prize for public service last year. The film has also been nominated by the BAFTAs, the Producers Guild and the Directors Guild for best documentary.
Chernov spoke at a showing in Paris when he received news of the nomination — as well as news that his hometown of Kharkiv had been bombed. “Every day, a city somewhere in Ukraine suffers a fate that is very similar to what happened to Mariupol,” Chernov said. “Throughout the two years this film has journeyed, it became a symbol of more than just Mariupol. It became a symbol of every Ukrainian city that got destroyed and wiped out by Russian bombs.”
The Academy Awards will be held on March 11 in Los Angeles.
The film has been made available for viewing free on charge in the United States on YouTube.
