20 Days in Mariupol is a gripping documentary directed by Mstyslav Chernov that delivers a harrowing look into the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, focusing on the besieged city of Mariupol. The film provides an unflinching first-person account of the conflict, utilizing Chernov’s personal footage alongside daily news dispatches to showcase the devastating impact of war on civilians.

The documentary has been widely acclaimed, holding an approval rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and receiving universal acclaim on Metacritic. Critics have praised it for its immersive approach and the vital role of war correspondents in documenting such life-threatening conditions. The narrative does not follow a simple arc, but its intense portrayal of war crimes and the courage of journalists has made it compelling viewing. Despite its grim subject matter, it’s considered an essential piece of journalism, providing a raw and haunting account of the siege​​.

Mstyslav Chernov, an AP video journalist, arrived in Mariupol just an hour before the first bombs hit, intending to report on the unfolding situation. However, the scale of the tragedy and the intensity of the Russian siege quickly became apparent. The documentary highlights not only the physical siege of Mariupol but also the information siege that distorts reality for those within the conflict zone. Chernov’s work, showing mass graves and the aftermath of a maternity hospital bombing among other atrocities, emphasizes the importance of unfiltered war coverage​​.

20 Days in Mariupol has earned significant recognition, including a BAFTA award for Best Documentary in 2024. The accolades reflect the documentary’s impact in bringing global attention to the war in Ukraine. Chernov, along with his colleagues Evgeniy Maloletka and Vasilisa Stepanenko, provided a vital voice for the people of Mariupol, capturing the struggle and resilience of the city under siege. Their work underscores the ongoing need for independent journalism and the importance of documenting history as it unfolds​​.

This documentary stands as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the power of eyewitness journalism in shaping our understanding of world events. It challenges viewers to confront the realities of war, pushing beyond the sanitized versions often presented in media, to grapple with the true scale of loss and devastation.