WSLR 96.5 and Fogartyville have announced a screening of 20 Days in Mariupol in Sarasota, FL, at 7:00 p.m. on October 28, with a discussion panel following. (But that’s not the only way to view the film. More to follow.) I cannot emphasize too strongly how important it is to understand a war not only through the lens of geopolitics and the rhetoric of leaders but also through glimpses into realities on the ground and through the stories that first-hand witnesses tell. 20 Days in Mariupol is both graphic and vital viewing. The announcement follows:
After nearly a decade covering international conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, for the Associated Press, Mstyslav Chernov makes his feature film debut with 20 Days in Mariupol.
The film draws on Chernov’s daily news dispatches and personal footage of his own country at war. It offers a vivid, harrowing account of civilians caught in the siege, as well as a window into what it’s like to report from a conflict zone, and the impact of such journalism around the globe.
Following the screening, WSLR’s Tom Walker (Peace & Justice Report) will moderate a panel featuring Ihor Hron of the Ukrainian Men’s Club and Ukrainian American Veterans – Post #40, documentary photographer and photojournalist Allan Mestel, whose work in Ukraine will be on exhibition at Fogartyville. Also Ihor Rawowsky founding member and past president of the Ukrainian Amercian Bar Association and Bohdana Puzyk, who sits on the board of the Ukranian National Association and secretary for Ukranian Women’s League of America.
Here’s how to register for tickets for the Sarasota event at Fogartyville. Tickets are free; a $10 donation is suggested. Fogartyville is located at 525 Kumquat Court in Sarasota’s Rosemary District.
https://wslr.org/event/screening-of-20-days-in-mariupol-documentary/?qtajax=true
I am scheduled to interview with Tom Walker, the moderator of the event, on WSLR the day after the screening, on October 29 at 9:00 a.m.
Readers can watch the trailer for 20 Days in Mariupol at this link:
Another Way to Watch
We recognize that many readers will not be able to attend the screening and discussion in Sarasota because of geographical or other considerations. Wherever you are located, however, you can watch this award-winning film in full online, minus the compelling local discussion:
Opportunities to Make a Difference
A charity I support is Revived Soldiers Ukraine, which is dedicated to the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers who are now amputees. Some have wounds that can be treated in the US because of American skills development in prosthetics. The funding is all philanthropic. I personally know the CEO, Iryna Discipio-Vashchuk, and have discussed this issue with wounded veterans.
A second organization is NPLB Outdoors. Its purpose is to help rehabilitation of America veterans who are amputees. It is the organization that has absorbed the former Combat Wounded Veterans Challenge. I personally know its CEO, Adam Kisielewski, and support the organization with philanthropy.
At Camp Kotok in August, a panel discussion moderated by Peter Boockvar featured both CEOs, a Ukrainian soldier, and his wife. The panel discussion was filmed, and the full video of the session can be found at the following link:
Thank you for any assistance you can provide to either or both organizations.
