Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hailed the recent Oscar win for the harrowing documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” as a powerful recognition of Ukraine’s struggle for peace and justice.
The documentary, directed by Sergiy Loznitsa, tells the story of a group of Ukrainian soldiers who were trapped in the city of Mariupol for 20 days during the ongoing conflict with Russia. The film explores the devastating impact of war on both the physical and psychological well-being of these soldiers, as well as the larger implications for their country.
President Zelenskyy, who has been a vocal advocate for peace and stability in Ukraine, expressed his joy and pride at the film’s victory. In a statement released by his office, he said, “This is a moment of immense joy and pride for all of Ukraine. The success of ’20 Days in Mariupol’ at the Oscars is a testament to the strength and resilience of our people in the face of adversity.”
The film’s win in the Best Documentary Short Subject category at the 93rd Academy Awards has been met with widespread acclaim and celebration in Ukraine. It is seen as a powerful symbol of the country’s determination to tell its story to the world and to shed light on the ongoing conflict in the east of the country.
Launched at the 2020 Venice Film Festival, “20 Days in Mariupol” has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its raw and emotional depiction of the devastating consequences of war. The film’s success at the Oscars has brought even more attention to the conflict in Ukraine, which has been ongoing since 2014, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacing millions of people.
In his statement, President Zelenskyy also vowed to continue working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He said, “The story of our soldiers in ’20 Days in Mariupol’ is a story that needs to be heard by the world. We will not stop until we have achieved a lasting and just peace for our people.”
Not only is the film a powerful tool for raising awareness about the situation in Ukraine, but it also serves as a tribute to the brave soldiers who have sacrificed so much for their country. The soldiers featured in the film have all praised the director for accurately portraying their experiences and for giving them a platform to share their stories.
The success of “20 Days in Mariupol” is also a victory for Ukrainian cinema and a sign of the country’s growing prominence in the global film industry. Director Sergiy Loznitsa, a native of Ukraine, has been praised for his masterful storytelling and his ability to capture the realities of war with sensitivity and nuance.
The win at the Oscars has also brought attention to the broader issue of human rights violations in Ukraine, as well as the role of documentaries in shedding light on these issues. The film’s producer, Denys Ivanov, has stated that one of the main goals of “20 Days in Mariupol” was to highlight the impact of the conflict on civilians and to draw attention to the need for justice and accountability.
In conclusion, the Oscar win for “20 Days in Mariupol” is a significant moment for Ukraine and its people. It not only recognizes the strength and courage of the soldiers featured in the film, but it also shines a spotlight on the ongoing conflict and its consequences. As President Zelenskyy said, “This is not just a win for a film, but a win for Ukraine and the whole world.”
