REUTERS/Mike Blake
A film by Mstyslav Chernov about Russia’s war crimes in Mariupol in February-March 2022 20 «Days in Mariupol» won Oscar in the Documentary Feature Film category.
After winning the Oscar director Mstyslav Chernov said he hopes the film reminds people of the humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine.
«This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian history, and I’m honored… Probably I will be the first director on this stage to say I wish I’d never made this film, I wish to be able to exchange this to Russia never attacking Ukraine, ever occupying our cities. i wish to give all the recognition for Russia not killing tens of thousands of my fellow Ukrainians. I wish for them to release all the hostages, all the soldiers who are protecting their lands, all the civilians who are now in their jails. But I cannot change the history. I cannot change the past…
But we altogether: you, and i`m among you, some of the most talented people in the world. We can make sure that the history record is set straight and that the truth will prevail and that the people of Mariupol and those who have given their lives will never be forgotten, because cinema forms memories, and memories form history».