20 Days in Mariupol – Film Screening and Discussion

The UIA is pleased to partner with the United Nations Association of New York in presenting a screening of award-winning documentary film 20 Days in Mariupol. After the screening, Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations, will be joined in conversation by Edith M. Lederer, Author, War Correspondent and AP Correspondent at the UN.

The screening begins promptly at 6:00 p.m. and will be followed by the discussion with Q+A as well as a light reception.

20 DAYS IN MARIUPOL is an Academy Award and BAFTA Award winning film by Mstyslav Chernov, an AP journalist who captured the Russian invasion of Mariupol in 2022. The Frontline/PBS film shows the horrors of the siege, the courage of the reporters, and the impact of their work around the world.

The award-winning documentary 20 Days in Mariupol follows Chernov as he and his Ukrainian AP colleagues become trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol, struggling to continue their work documenting atrocities of the Russian invasion. The last international journalists remaining in the city as Russian forces close in, Chernov, photographer Evgeniy Maloletka and field producer Vasilisa Stepanenko capture what become some of the most defining images of the war: dying children, mass graves, the bombing of a maternity hospital, and more.

The film draws on Chernov’s daily news dispatches and personal footage of his own country at war. The result is a raw and haunting account of a journalist risking his life to share the truth of the conflict with the world. Made in partnership with The Associated Press, 20 Days in Mariupol has had a decorated run on the 2023 film festival circuit — including at the Sundance Film Festival, the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), the Sheffield Film Festival and the DocEdge Film Festival.

The Guardian called it “a brave, visceral, merciless masterpiece.” The New York Times said it is “Essential. A relentless and truly important documentary.”

(Note: the film contains scenes of dying children and the bombing of a maternity hospital. Viewer discretion is advised.)

Sergiy Kyslytsya, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations

Ambassador Kyslytsya stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of Ukrainian diplomacy, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to his nation’s interests on the global stage. Born and bred in Ukraine, Kyslytsya’s journey into the world of international relations began with his academic pursuits. He honed his skills at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, where he earned a degree in International Law, laying the foundation for his future endeavors. Armed with a deep understanding of international legal frameworks, Kyslytsya embarked on a career path marked by dedication and excellence. His journey saw him assume various pivotal roles within the Ukrainian diplomatic corps, each one contributing to his expertise and shaping his perspective on global affairs. Kyslytsya’s ascent within the diplomatic ranks culminated in his appointment as the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations, a role he assumed with great honor and responsibility. At the UN, Kyslytsya emerged as a passionate advocate for Ukraine, tirelessly championing the nation’s interests while navigating the complex dynamics of international relations. Throughout his tenure, Kyslytsya has been at the forefront of efforts to address critical issues facing Ukraine and the broader international community. From advocating for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of external challenges, to spearheading initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security, his contributions have been invaluable in shaping the discourse within the halls of the United Nations. Beyond his diplomatic endeavors, Kyslytsya is known for his unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of justice, equality, and human rights. He has been a vocal proponent of multilateralism, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. As Ukraine continues to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, Sergiy Kyslytsya remains a steadfast and resolute voice for his nation, embodying the spirit of Ukrainian diplomacy on the global stage.

Edith M. Lederer, Author, War Correspondent, AP Correspondent at the UN

During a more than 55-year career with The Associated Press, Edith Lederer has worked on every continent except Antarctica covering wars, famines, nuclear issues and political upheavals. The first woman assigned full-time to the AP staff reporting the Vietnam War, Lederer also covered the 1973 Middle East war, the war in Afghanistan, the first Gulf War, the conflict in Northern Ireland, the end of the war in Bosnia, the civil war in Somalia and the aftermath of the genocide in Rwanda. She was also AP’s first female bureau chief overseas, based in Lima, Peru. In addition to wars, she helped cover the downfall of communism and the break-up of the Soviet Union, and the Romanian revolution. While based in London from 1982-98, Lederer also wrote about military and international security issues and global problems ranging from population growth to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Since 1998, she has been AP’s chief correspondent at the United Nations, reporting on the diplomatic side of conflicts from Gaza and Ukraine to Syria, Iraq, Sudan and Congo as well as major global issues from the nuclear programs in Iran and North Korea to climate change, combating poverty and women’s rights. She is the recipient of numerous awards including six lifetime achievement awards. Last year, she was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Society for Professional Journalists’ New York Chapter, the Deadline Club. She is a co-author of “War Torn,” a book by nine women who covered the Vietnam War.