20 Days in Mariupol: A Gripping Documentary and Panel Discussion Event

Kathleen Coleman | 9/28/2023, 1:28 p.m.
In an impactful collaboration, FotoFest, Holocaust Museum Houston, and the Institute for Global Engagement at the University of Houston proudly …
People take shelter in a youth theater in Mariupol, Ukraine, March 6, 2022. From 20 Days in Mariupol. (AP Photo/Mstyslavar FINAL Chernov)

Event Date: Thursday, October 19, 2023 | 6:30 PM

Location: Holocaust Museum Houston, 5401 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77004

Admission: Open to the public; Free tickets required

In an impactful collaboration, FotoFest, Holocaust Museum Houston, and the Institute for Global Engagement at the University of Houston proudly present the Texas premiere of "20 Days in Mariupol." This visceral documentary, directed by Pulitzer Prize recipient and Ukrainian photojournalist Mstyslav Chernov, captures the harrowing experiences of journalists covering the devastation of Mariupol, Ukraine.

A Glimpse into the Event:

The event, hosted at the Holocaust Museum Houston on Thursday, October 19 at 6:30 PM, promises an insightful evening filled with thought-provoking content. Here's what you can expect:

• Introduction by the Director: Mstyslav Chernov, the film's director, will provide a video introduction, offering a unique perspective on the documentary's creation.

• Screening: The heart of the event lies in the screening of "20 Days in Mariupol," where you will witness the courageous journey of a team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city. They risk their lives to document the grim realities of the Russian invasion in early 2022, capturing haunting images that have left an indelible mark on the world.

• Panel Discussion: Following the screening, engage in a post-screening discussion led by a panel of experts. This panel, curated by the Institute for Global Engagement, comprises specialists in journalism, Eastern European history, and public health. Expect deep insights into the significance of such reporting and its global impact.

About the Documentary:

"Mstyslav Chernov," a seasoned Associated Press journalist, brings his extensive experience in covering international conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, to his first feature film. "20 Days in Mariupol" draws from Chernov's daily news dispatches and personal footage. It offers a gripping narrative of civilians caught in the crossfire, providing a glimpse into the challenging world of conflict journalism and its profound influence worldwide.

This screening event aligns with FotoFest's concurrent exhibition, "Fighting: Ukrainian War Photographers," featuring over 255 powerful images by sixteen members of the Ukrainian Association of Professional Photographers. The exhibition takes place at Silver Street Studios at Sawyers from October 5 to November 18, 2023. Learn more about this exhibition at www.fotofest.org/fighting-ukrainian-war-photographers.

Reserve Your Free Tickets:

Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to witness "20 Days in Mariupol" and participate in the enlightening panel discussion. Secure your free tickets for the Texas premiere screening by visiting the ticket portal at https://9368a.blackbaudhosting.com/9368a/Film-Screening-20-Days-in-Mariupol.

This event is co-presented by FotoFest, Holocaust Museum Houston, and the Institute for Global Engagement at the University of Houston, with the support of the Ukrainian Association of Professional Photographers. Production support is provided by PBS Distribution. "20 Days in Mariupol" is presented by PBS Distribution and is a Frontline PBS and The Associated Press Production. For additional information, please visit https://20daysinmariupol.com.