– This is the first Oscar in the history of Ukraine – said from the stage Mstislav Chernov, who, together with Michelle Mizner and Raney Aronson-Rath, was awarded for the documentary “20 Days in Mariupol”. His speech, delivered with visible sadness on his face, was received solemnly and in silence by those gathered in the hall. Chernov said:
I’m honored and I’m sure I’ll be the first director on this stage to say that I wouldn’t want to make this film.
Oscars 2024. Director: I wish I could exchange this film for Russia never to attack Ukraine
– I would like to be able to exchange this film for Russia never to attack Ukraine, and I wouldn’t give anything for Russia not to kill Ukrainians, for them to release all the hostages – said the director of “20 Days in Mariupol”. – I won’t change history, I won’t change the past, but we can all make sure that the story is told properly and that the truth prevails. So that the inhabitants of Mariupol and those who gave their lives will never be forgotten, because cinema creates memories and memories create history, he added.
“20 Days in Mariupol” is, as the distributor announces, “a shocking film indictment of Russia.” The film is a record of the destruction of the titular city at the risk of his life, and was made by the only correspondent who stayed there until the end. “This film work, made with impressive formal discipline, holds you in suspense from the first minutes to the finale. Few filmmakers show the merciless cruelty of war with such power. However, Chernow and the team do not do it to shock. Their intention is to leave a testimony – and shock the conscience of the world “- we read in the production description.
The Pulitzer Prize winners’ documentary is a winner of the most important film festivals in the world, such as Sundance, CPH:DOX and IDFA, and a BAFTA award winner. The film was also appreciated by Polish viewers – the audience and the jurors of the main competition of the 23rd WATCH DOCS IFF. The Oscar winner can be seen in Polish cinemas from March 8.
Source: Gazeta
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