Oscar winning film ‘20 Days in Mariupol’ screened

Islamabad:Alliance Francaise, in collaboration with the Embassy of Ukraine, has presented the Oscar winning film ‘20 Days in Mariupol’ to Pakistani audience here.

Alliance Française d’Islamabad (AFI) director Ali Bhatti highlighted his organisation's mission to promote the cultures of Francophone countries and Pakistan, fostering intercultural understanding and communication. According to him, AFI serves as a platform for artists, writers, filmmakers, cultural activists, and intellectuals to engage in dialogue.

As part of this effort, it is partnering with the Embassy of Ukraine to screen ‘20 Days in Mariupol,’ the winner of the 2024 Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. “This screening aimed to emphasise the human cost and suffering caused by war, attracting over 100 attendees,” he said.

According to Bhatti, Associated Press video journalist Mstyslav Chernov, along with colleagues Vasylyna Stepanenko and photographer Yevhen Maloletka, were in Mariupol at the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion.

They witnessed the brutal destruction of homes and lives in the city. On the 21st day of the invasion, they successfully exited through a humanitarian corridor. The film was produced in collaboration with the Associated Press and American documentarians from Frontline, featuring footage taken during the initial days of Mariupol’s siege. Approximately 10 per cent of the video and photos were transmitted from the only location in the city with a mobile signal, and around 30 hours of footage were evacuated through the humanitarian corridor.

The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the audience award, followed by screenings and accolades at six additional festivals. The Ukrainian journalists involved were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for their work.

‘20 Days in Mariupol’ won the prestigious Oscar at the 96th Academy Awards in 2024, marking the first Oscar for Ukrainian cinema. The screening was followed by an online presentation by and discussion with co-producer of the film Vasilisa Stepanenko, an Oskar and Pulitzer winner journalist. Ambassador of Ukraine to Pakistan Markiian Chuchuk said, “The tragedy of Mariupol is a pain that Ukrainians will carry throughout their entire lives. The ashes of Mariupol beat against our breasts.”