Mstyslav Chernov: The Eyes of Ukrainian Truth in Cannes

Few know that Mstyslav is a graduate of the Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics (NURE). This fundamental background likely fostered in him the technical precision and composure necessary when working with complex equipment in extreme conditions. Starting his career in his hometown, he has evolved over two decades from a local photographer to a world-renowned Associated Press war correspondent.

Before the world was shaken by the footage from Mariupol, Chernov spent years documenting global crises. His lens captured the Revolution of Dignity, the annexation of Crimea, and the first evidence of the MH17 flight tragedy. The geography of his work is a map of modern humanity’s pain:

European Migration Crisis: He followed the paths of refugees through Greece, Macedonia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Germany.

Wars in Syria and Iraq: In 2017, during the Battle of Mosul, a sniper's bullet pierced Mstyslav's camera and lodged in his bulletproof vest. This did not stop the master—his Iraqi reports became finalists for the prestigious Rory Peck Awards and the Royal Television Society awards.

Chernov’s most resonant work was the film "20 Days in Mariupol," created in close collaboration with photographer Evgeniy Maloletka and producer Vasilisa Stepanenko. This team became the last group of international journalists in the blockaded city. Together, they captured footage that became the evidentiary basis for war crimes: from the bombing of the maternity hospital to mass burials.

Chernov's debut feature film, "20 Days in Mariupol," became a global manifesto, bringing Ukraine its first-ever Oscar. The film not only won the Academy Award but also became a worldwide testament to resilience. Mstyslav continues to document the war. His new work, "2000 Meters to Andriivka," is an even deeper immersion into the realities of the Ukrainian counteroffensive. The film explores not only battle strategy but also the psychological state of people at point-blank range.

Today, the list of Chernov’s achievements is staggering in its significance:

·         

Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Documentary Feature;

Pulitzer Prize for Public Service;

BAFTA Award and the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Award;

Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

The Cannes Festival entrusted Chernov to lead the jury because he is the living embodiment of documentary filmmaking. A man who survived Mosul and the blockade of Mariupol knows the true price of every frame. In an era of fakes, Cannes is betting on the "direct gaze" that Mstyslav personifies.

For Kharkiv and all of Ukraine, this is another high rostrum from which the voice of truth will sound as loud as possible. We are proud of our fellow countryman, who turned the camera into the most powerful weapon of justice!