In Oscars speech, ’20 Days in Mariupol’ director says he wishes he ‘never’ had to make film

The director of 20 Days in Mariupol commemorated his documentary’s Oscar win in a solemn speech, saying he “never” wished he had made a film about Russia’s war with Ukraine.

“This is the first Oscar in Ukraine’s history,” the film’s director and war correspondent Mstislav Chernov accepted the award for Best Documentary Feature at the 96th Academy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. Ta.

“But I’ll probably be the first director on this stage to say I wish I hadn’t made this movie. I’m going to take this as a reminder that Russia would never attack Ukraine and never take over our cities.” I hope we can exchange it for that,” Chernoff said to applause.

“I want all the hostages, all the soldiers defending the land, all the civilians currently in prison, to be released,” Chernov said of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Days of war in Ukrainian cities.

“But you can’t change history. You can’t change the past,” Chernov said.

The director told the audience, “Together we can set the historical record straight and make sure the truth prevails.”

“The people of Mariupol and those who gave their lives will never be forgotten, because films form memories and memories form history,” he said.

The documentary’s victory comes days after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Congress’ failure to secure more aid for Ukraine in its war against Russia was “nothing short of a gift” to Russian President Vladimir Putin. brought about later.

Yellen called on House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) to pass the Senate’s $95 billion foreign aid package, which includes $60 billion for Ukraine.