In the subdued glow of the cinema, with shadows flickering against its confines, I was drawn into the visceral reality presented by Mstyslav Chernov in 20 Days in Mariupol (2023). This cinematic work, which has garnered critical acclaim and an Oscar, transcends the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking. It does not simply document events as they unfold but delves deeply into the essence of human resilience and despair in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Chernov’s directorial approach brings into sharp relief the stark realities of conflict, capturing the essence of a city under siege with a clarity that is as compelling as it is distressing. Through his lens, we are not mere observers but are thrust into the very heart of Mariupol’s plight, bearing witness to the tangible impact of war on the fabric of everyday life. The film challenges us to confront the harrowing consequences of violence, laying bare the fragility of existence amidst the relentless onslaught of destruction.

Glimpses of Sorrow: The Unspoken Agony

Chernov’s vision is unflinching, guiding us through the streets of Mariupol with a clarity that is both harrowing and enlightening. The film does not shy away from the stark realities of war; it confronts us with the visceral imagery of fallen men, women, and children. It’s a confrontation with mortality, a testament to the lives snuffed out too soon. Yet, amidst this portrayal of death, it’s the raw anguish of survivors that sears the soul—families mourning their irreplaceable losses with cries that echo through time.

The Fractured Mirror: Humanity Amidst Ruins

The indignity of war manifests in the shattered daily lives of those who remain. We witness the dire straits of survival as civilians, driven by desperation, traverse the blurred lines of morality. The image of a man, burdened with pilfered goods including a child’s football, becomes a poignant symbol of lost innocence and the instinctual drive to persevere. It is a reflection of a community’s battle against the erosion of humanity, amidst the backdrop of a city crumbling under the weight of conflict.

A Chorus of Desperation: The Voices Unheard

This film is a narrative woven with the persistence of journalists navigating the ruins for a shred of connectivity to the outer world. Their quest is dual—seeking to broadcast the unimaginable to a global audience while grappling with the immense burden of their own witnessed traumas. Chernov’s voice, sombre and resolute, narrates the unfathomable—infants fighting for breath, children’s laughter extinguished by brutality. His tone, almost dispassionate, belies the tempest of emotions beneath, a coping mechanism for the horrors witnessed firsthand.

The Unseen Battle: Echoes of Propaganda

The film boldly confronts the spectre of falsehoods woven by those who seek to justify the unjustifiable. The parallels drawn between the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Israel’s invasion on Palestine underscore a universal strategy of obfuscation employed by oppressors. The audacity of lies that seek to paint victims as mere actors on a stage of deceit is a chilling testament to the power of propaganda in shaping narratives, a reminder of the silent wars waged in the shadows of public discourse.

The Dichotomy of Defence and Destruction

The Israeli government’s stance, often echoed by its allies, posits preemptive strikes on Palestinian territories as necessary defensive measures, arguing that such actions prevent potential attacks against Israeli civilians. Mover, this narrative is fortified by claims of precision in targeting, purportedly aimed at minimising civilian casualties. However, the reality on the ground, as reported by numerous international observers and human rights organisations, frequently contradicts these assertions, revealing a grim toll of Palestinian civilian lives lost and infrastructure devastated.

Victimhood and the War of Narratives

The tragedy is compounded by a narrative war in which the victims of these conflicts are sometimes depicted as orchestrators of their own suffering. Accusations that Palestinians might exploit such situations for sympathy, by staging events or exaggerating harm, serve as potent tools in the arsenal of propaganda. These claims, often unsubstantiated, aim to delegitimise the Palestinian experience of suffering and resistance, portraying it as a manipulation of global sentiment.

Beyond Borders: The Universal Phenomenon of Narrative Control

This strategy of narrative control is not unique to the Israel-Palestine conflict but is emblematic of a broader phenomenon where powerful entities frame conflicts in terms that justify their actions while diminishing the legitimacy and humanity of those they oppose. The stark portrayal of these tactics in 20 Days in Mariupol invites viewers to reflect on the wider implications of propaganda in shaping our understanding of conflicts.

Perhaps most heartbreakingly, the documentary highlights the echo chamber of international discourse, where complex narratives are oversimplified, and the nuances of suffering are lost. The repetition of claims that “it is not that bad” or that “civilians are not dying” by some segments of Western society reflects a disconcerting detachment from the realities of those living under the shadow of conflict. Such dismissals not only undermine efforts to address the humanitarian crises but also contribute to a pervasive sense of injustice among those whose voices are marginalised or silenced altogether.

Towards a Deeper Understanding: The Imperative of Critical Engagement

Furthermore, in shedding light on these dynamics, 20 Days in Mariupol viscerally chronicles the immediate horrors of war. However, it also prompts a deeper inquiry into the mechanisms of power and persuasion that govern our perception of global conflicts. It underscores the urgent need for a critical engagement with the narratives presented to us, advocating for a more informed and empathetic approach to understanding the complexities of human struggle across the divides of nation, culture, and history.

Requiem for the Forgotten: A Call to Witness

As the narrative of 20 Days in Mariupol unfolds, its essence transcends the confines of documentary filmmaking. This cinematic work emerges as a resonant appeal, urging the international community to confront and acknowledge the harrowing realities that persist on the peripheries of global awareness. Through Chernov’s committed lens, an invitation is extended to all of us to recognise the interconnectedness of our human experience, urging us to look past the immediate confines of our individual lives and offer our understanding and compassion to those caught in the crosshairs of conflicts that have receded from the media spotlight.

20 Days in Mariupol serves as a sombre tribute to the enduring spirit of humanity, navigating through the ruins of conflict with a quiet strength. It is a vivid reminder of our duty to remember, to stay alert to the allure of misleading narratives, and to champion the cause of truth in an era where the very fabric of morality appears frayed. As we step back into the light, leaving behind the darkness illuminated by Chernov’s filming, we are confronted with the reflection of our own roles in the ongoing silence that envelops the untold sufferings of our era.

This film, in its raw and unvarnished depiction of war’s brutal reality, not only documents the physical destruction wrought by conflict but also stands as a profound meditation on the emotional and psychological toll on those it touches. It challenges us to confront our own perceptions and prejudices, to question the narratives fed to us by those in positions of power, and to deepen our empathy for the plight of those whose stories are seldom heard.

Concluding Thought: A Call To Action

In this call to witness, 20 Days in Mariupol does not simply ask us to observe; it asks us to act. To act by engaging critically with the world around us, by seeking out the stories that go untold, and by lending our voices to those who cannot speak. It is a call to uphold the dignity of those who have suffered in silence, to ensure that their stories are not forgotten in the swirling mists of time, and to affirm that in the collective memory of humanity, their experiences are recognised and honoured.

Ultimately, this film is a testament to the power of cinema as a medium that not only captures the truth but also has the potential to transform our understanding of the world. It is a reminder that in the face of overwhelming adversity, the human spirit remains unbroken, and it is through our shared commitment to empathy, truth, and justice that we can hope to rebuild a world on the brink of moral uncertainty.