Ukraine has selected Mstyslav Chernov’s powerful documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” to represent the country in the best international feature category at the 2024 Oscars. The film, directed by Chernov, a former Associated Press journalist and native Ukrainian, captures the devastating impact of the Russian bombardment on the port city of Mariupol in early 2022. Alongside photographer Evgeniy Maloletka, Chernov offers a first-person account of the 20 days they spent documenting the atrocities they witnessed, including Russian troops targeting civilians, including children and the elderly, and the bombing of a maternity hospital.
Reviewing the film, The Hollywood Reporter describes it as “grueling but necessary viewing.” “20 Days in Mariupol” had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the World Cinema documentary prize. Chernov and his team, including Maloletka, Vasilisa Stepanenko, and Lori Hinnant, were also awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for their exceptional reporting in Mariupol.
Outside of North America, world sales for the film are being handled by Dogwoof, while PBS Distribution secured domestic rights within North America. The deadline for submission to the best international feature film category at the Oscars is October 2nd. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the shortlist for the 2024 Oscars, including the best international film contenders, on December 21st. The final five nominees will be unveiled on January 23rd, 2024. The 95th Oscars ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 10th, 2024.
To get a glimpse of the powerful storytelling in “20 Days in Mariupol,” check out the trailer below: