As the only international reporters who remain in the city, they capture what later become defining images of the war: dying children, mass graves, the bombing of a maternity hospital, and more.

After nearly a decade covering international conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, for The Associated Press, 20 Days in Mariupol is Mstyslav Chernov’s first feature film. 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.

From 29 March to 18 April, Visions of Europe returns to celebrate the breadth of European cinema. With a handpicked selection of films, we take in the best of European film including previews, festival hits and classics returning to the big screen. This year, all Visions of Europe screenings are Pay What You Can, find out more.