2000 meters to Andriivka: 5 reasons to watch Mstyslav Chernov's new film
Mstyslav Chernov’s new film '2000 Meters to Andriivka' (photo: Mstyslav Chernov)
Mstyslav Chernov is once again shocking audiences and prompting conversations about the war. His new documentary, "2000 Meters to Andriivka," will premiere in Ukrainian cinemas on August 28. Although watching such films can be emotionally challenging, here are five key reasons to see this one.
Cultural phenomenon
Mstyslav Chernov, as an Associated Press journalist, has covered many important events for Ukraine: from the Revolution of Dignity to the downing of the Malaysian passenger plane over Donbas.
However, in 2022, when recordings from besieged and later occupied Mariupol were turned into the film "20 Days in Mariupol," a real breakthrough occurred. The documentary became a true cultural phenomenon: Oscar, BAFTA, Pulitzer Prize, and many other prestigious awards.
Thanks to its success, Chernov's new work has already attracted lively interest from the global community.
Military realities
The new film takes viewers to 2023, at the start of the long-awaited Ukrainian counteroffensive. Chernov, together with photographer and cameraman Oleksandr Babenko, joins a platoon of fighters from the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, tasked with liberating the village of Andriivka and creating a crucial bridgehead for further advance in the Bakhmut direction. To achieve this goal, they must overcome a narrow forest strip 2,000 meters long—but at what cost?
Frame from Mstyslav Chernov's film "2000 Meters to Andriivka" (photo: Mstyslav Chernov)
First awards
Although the awards season is still ahead, "2000 Meters to Andriivka" has already begun collecting accolades.
The first was the Best Director award at the prestigious Sundance Festival.
A little later, the film triumphed at the domestic Docudays UA, not only winning the main competition but also receiving recognition from viewers and the human rights jury.
Perhaps over time, this list will be complemented by another Oscar and other awards.
Praise from film critics
Early reviews from professional press have been very positive. On popular aggregator platforms, the film's rating is extremely high: 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 88% on Metacritic.
IndieWire called "2000 Meters to Andriivka" "one of the most visceral, experiential depictions of combat ever captured in a documentary," while The Times dubbed it "the year's most important film."
A very apt comment was from Collider:
"The success of 2000 Meters to Andriivka lies in this format that Chernov presents to us. Instead of numbers on a page or names on a sheet, we get to know these men and not only put a face to the name but a life full of potential that they've been robbed of."
Still from Mstyslav Chernov's film "2000 Meters to Andriivka" (photo: Mstyslav Chernov)
Social message
This message seems to be central to the film. "2000 Meters to Andriivka" does not just want to show the war, but to emphasize the terrible price our soldiers pay for it.
We see them not only "in action" but also during breaks between clashes. We see people with their feelings, dreams, preferences, and ambitions. And then we see these people die. Watching the film will be painful, but through this pain comes the essential awareness and understanding.
Still from Mstyslav Chernov's film "2000 Meters to Andriivka" (photo: Mstyslav Chernov)
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