20 Days in Mariupol

An AP team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggle to continue their work documenting atrocities of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As the only international reporters who remain in the city, they capture what later become defining images of the war: dying children, mass graves, the bombing of a maternity hospital, and more.

After nearly a decade covering international conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, for The Associated Press, 20 Days in Mariupol is Mstyslav Chernov’s first feature film. The film draws on Chernov’s daily news dispatches and personal footage of his own country at war. It offers a vivid, harrowing account of civilians caught in the siege, as well as a window into what it’s like to report from a conflict zone, and the impact of such journalism around the globe.

This film is presented as part of Cornell's Freedom of Expression Theme Year.

“Mstyslav Chernov’s immersive, shattering documentary recounting the invasion’s first weeks, 20 Days in Mariupol, is a brutal, necessary, heart-pounding reminder of why the siege shocked the world, and what remains at stake whether you’re staying apprised or not. Acrid and harrowing, it’ll slap you awake.” — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times

“A searing drama that radiates suspense. Such astute observations, together with the harrowing imagery, lift 20 Days in Mariupol to the ranks of the great war documentaries.”— Kyle Smith, The Wall Street Journal

film website: 20daysinmariupol.com

In English, Ukrainian and Russian with English subtitles

Part of our Doc Spots series and presented in collaboration with the Ukrainian Cultural Club at Cornell