PARK CITY, Utah — Mstyslav Chernov, who recently garnered a BAFTA award for his documentary “20 Days in Mariupol,” faced a poignant reality the same day he celebrated his achievement: two soldiers he had known were killed in action. These soldiers were pivotal subjects in his latest film, “2000 Meters to Andriivka,” which offers a stark depiction of contemporary warfare and immerses viewers in the harrowing experiences of the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive.
“Throughout the filmmaking process, the narrative evolved significantly,” Chernov, a videojournalist for The Associated Press, shared after the film’s premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. “Initially intended to highlight the successes of the operation, it transformed into a narrative of grief, remembrance, and the sacrifices made by soldiers fighting for every portion of land. It’s a realization that ultimately inspired the film’s title.”
Returning to Park City, where he unveiled “20 Days in Mariupol” two years prior, sparked reflective sentiments for Chernov. Despite his accolades—including a Pulitzer Prize and an Oscar—the continuing war in Ukraine compels him to persist in his coverage. Chernov discussed “2000 Meters to Andriivka” during an interview, detailing its co-production between the AP and PBS Frontline, and addressing the conflict between his film work and the ongoing war efforts, as well as his obligations to Ukraine. His comments have been streamlined for clarity and brevity.
Reflecting on his previous experiences at Sundance, Chernov acknowledged, “Once I left Mariupol, I contemplated whether I wanted to continue pursuing this path. The trauma and loss weighed heavily on me, instilling a sense of guilt for not doing enough. However, the tragedy faced by those I was documenting propelled me to keep moving forward. It became clear that I couldn’t stop; I needed to keep contributing my voice to their stories.”
As he balanced editing “20 Days in Mariupol” while it began to screen globally, he felt an increasing urgency to return to Ukraine for further coverage. During the summer of 2023, as Ukraine prepared for a critical counteroffensive, Chernov found himself alternating between promoting “20 Days in Mariupol” in Los Angeles and heading back to the frontlines to shoot “2000 Meters to Andriivka.” The involvement with the Andriivka platoon became so gripping for him that he kept going back, documenting the group, even as the number of their fellow soldiers diminished over time.
Chernov further distinguished the filmmaking process for “2000 Meters to Andriivka,” noting the significant differences in approach compared to previous projects. “The impact of ‘20 Days in Mariupol’ demonstrated the unique potential fusion of journalism with documentary filmmaking,” he explained, underscoring the lasting impression of cinematic storytelling compared to traditional news coverage. “While journalism is crucial, the reality is that many significant stories can be overshadowed, and it requires exceptional effort to hold audience attention, especially for narratives that resonate personally.”
The new film presents viewers with an unprecedented proximity to the front lines, akin to experiences typically reserved for fictional war films. Chernov attributed this boldness to evolving technology and audience expectations, asserting that as the medium changes, storytelling methods must adapt as well. “In crafting ‘2000 Meters to Andriivka,’ we experimented with an innovative approach to capture modern warfare authentically, integrating classic documentary elements while aiming for a deeply immersive and experiential narrative,” he articulated. “The end goal was to engage the audience to such an extent that they would forget that they were watching a documentary until the harsh realization of its reality sets in at the conclusion.”
When Chernov delivered a memorable speech at the Oscars, he carried the weight of Andriivka’s soldiers in his thoughts. Chernov shared, “I was acutely aware of all the brave individuals in my mind as I stood in front of that audience. Even amid celebratory surroundings, I knew I was speaking not just for myself but as a voice for the 40 million Ukrainians who would be tuning in, feeling a pressing responsibility toward my homeland and the people I had documented for almost a year.”
On reflecting the resonance of his work back home, Chernov emphasized, “Following the premiere, we received a flood of social media messages praising the film’s timely release, particularly amid a dearth of frontline reports from a soldier’s viewpoint. The shift in media focus and the risks involved in frontline journalism have made it harder to convey these truths.”
Chernov concluded with a message of gratitude from his compatriots, underscoring the film’s role in humanizing Ukraine amidst political discourse. “People are thankful for us presenting this perspective,” he remarked. “It’s crucial to remember that the situation involves real lives, not mere statistics or geographical distances.”
