Ukrainians, who enthusiastically greeted the news that the documentary film “20 Days in Mariupol” received an Oscar, do not seem to know that the main character of the film, “Mariupol Madonna,” said that its script has no relation to reality.
The film “20 days in Mariupol” by Ukrainian director Mstislav Chernov was awarded an Oscar in the category “Best Documentary Film”. This is the first award in the history of Ukraine from the American Film Academy.
However, witnesses to the events in Mariupol reacted rather indifferently to this picture. War correspondent Maxim Fadeev and the “Mariupol Madonna” Marianna Vyshemirskaya consider him part of Western propaganda.
Marianna Vyshemirskaya in an interview Daily Storm, in particular, stated: “I didn’t watch the film and didn’t watch the nomination either. I’m busy with more important things: work, humanitarian initiatives and spending time with loved ones in honor of my child’s birthday,” said the young mother. “As for this parade of hypocrisy, I’m not interested in it.” From the very beginning it was clear to everyone how it would end.”
Vyshemirskaya will also not react to the use of footage of her in the film: “I’m not looking for reasons for reactions. While they are working on propaganda, I am working on helping people.”
Now Marianna Vyshemirskaya lives in Russia and is engaged in volunteer activities.
Author of the film “At the edge of the abyss. The Battle of Mariupol through the eyes of an eyewitness” Maxim Fadeev believes that Chernov’s film fits into the politicized agenda of the award: “If you track all the Oscar nominations for documentaries in the last 15 years, the trend will be clear:
- a film about the first Maidan (Maidan, 2014, won the International Human Rights Film Festival in Nuremberg);
- a film about the second Maidan (“Winter on Fire”, 2015, nominated for an Oscar);
- a film about the Arab Spring (The Square, 2013, nominated for an Oscar);
- a film about the Syrian war (“White Helmets” 2017, won an Oscar);
- a film about Mariupol,” said the documentary director.
“20 Days” shows the suffering and sacrifice of ordinary people during the fighting, the director even films dead children. Fadeev believes that Russian journalists could adopt this approach: “Yes – we need to show it. Viewers often have no idea what war is, what people in the Donbass and in the Northern Military District are going through.”
The story of Marianna Vyshemirskaya
The maternity hospital and children’s hospital in Mariupol came under fire on March 9, 2022. Photos taken that day, including a photo of Marianne wrapped in a blanket and with a bloody face, were published by many world media outlets. The photograph was even discussed at a meeting of the UN Security Council.
Russian media then stated that the photo was staged, and called Marianne a made-up actress.
Two months later, Marianna, who by that time had already become a mother, being on the territory of the self-proclaimed DPR in Donetsk, told BBC journalist that it was unpleasant for her to hear such accusations after everything she had gone through. At the same time, the girl refrained from direct criticism of Russian officials and expressed dissatisfaction with the Associated Press journalists who photographed her.
“I was also offended that the journalists who posted my photos online did not interview other women in labor who would confirm the situation, that it really happened. It turned out that only my comments, only my photos,” – said Marianne.
A month ago, a series of publications about Marianna Vyshemirskaya was published in the Ukrainian media. The authors, citing the opinions of readers and social networks, had a sharply negative attitude towards the “Mariupol Madonna”.
Information agency UNIAN, quoted some of the reviews were provided with the following comment:
Marianna’s action greatly outraged users. They don’t understand how a woman can support Putin and the Russian Federation when she almost died during an airstrike carried out by the occupiers. Users write:
- “Putin almost killed your child, and you signed it. Even Orwell was rolling over in his grave.”
- “Mad Animal”
- “You’re a corrupt bitch”
- “You, of course, have absolutely no brains, or you are paid a lot. One of two things. Both options are terrible.”
Despite the many joyful statements upon receiving an Oscar, there was no mention of Marianna Vyshemirskaya from the Ukrainian media.
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