Renowned video journalist Mstyslav Chernov, along with his dedicated team, defied danger and captured the unfolding horrors of the Russian invasion in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol. Their fearless reporting has earned them a Pulitzer Prize and laid the foundation for the new PBS FRONTLINE and Associated Press documentary, "20 Days in Mariupol," which chronicles the harrowing experiences of civilians trapped in a city descending into chaos.

Chernov's decision to remain in Mariupol despite the encirclement by Russian forces was driven by a conviction to preserve every frame as evidence for future war crimes investigations and the historical account of Ukraine. The film vividly portrays the challenges faced by the city's residents, from the agony of hunger during the siege to the desperate measures taken to secure water and food from looted shops.

The journalist was relentless in documenting the devastating impact of the conflict, capturing scenes of a bombed maternity hospital and mass graves. However, Chernov admits that there were moments when the immense difficulty or the urgent need to assist the people he was filming compelled him to pause his camera. In these instances, he witnessed the complexity of human behavior, with some individuals, even those perceived as brave, choosing to run when faced with life-threatening choices, while unexpected individuals displayed astonishing courage until the very end.

Reflecting on the nature of war, Chernov discovered that conflicts reveal hidden qualities in people's characters. He encountered individuals who became better versions of themselves, demonstrating acts of heroism, while others succumbed to their worst instincts. As the journalist aptly remarks, war provides a unique lens through which to examine human nature.

"Mariupol: 20 Days" will premiere on PBS FRONTLINE on November 21, offering audiences an insider's perspective into the unrelenting suffering experienced by the city's residents. The documentary will be available for streaming on various platforms, including YouTube, FRONTLINE's website, the PBS app, and the PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel.

Chernov's decision to focus on Mariupol was driven by its strategic significance, as it lies on the path to Crimea, making it a crucial target for Russian forces. Drawing from his experience covering conflicts since 2014 and his dedication to shedding light on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Chernov and his team embarked on their mission to document Mariupol.

Having grown up in a similar city, Kharkiv, the destruction and loss he witnessed in Mariupol resonated deeply with Chernov. The indiscriminate destruction of homes and the loss of innocent lives proved to be a psychologically devastating experience for the journalist. He emphasizes that amidst Russia's claims of only targeting military objects, the reality on the ground revealed a different story, with civilians bearing the brunt of the attacks.

Remarkably, Chernov's team was one of the few reporting from Mariupol during this critical period. The absence of other journalists' coverage was evident, leading editors to express their surprise at the dearth of information. It was only later discovered that Lithuanian filmmaker Mantas Kvedaravicius had also been in Mariupol but was unable to share any footage. Tragically, Kvedaravicius was captured and executed while attempting to escape through Russian checkpoints.

Chernov acknowledges his fear of death and pain but remains committed to his chosen profession and the decision to confront those fears. He is determined to document the truth for as long as circumstances permit.

While the documentary successfully captures much of the chaos that unfolded, Chernov admits that some moments were impossible to depict visually. The quiet scenes of patients lying on hospital floors during nightly bombings, enduring excruciating pain with minimal access to painkillers, and pleading for assistance from overwhelmed nurses are among the many incidents that could not be captured on film.

One of the most heart-wrenching aspects witnessed by Chernov was the loss of innocent children's lives. The consequences of war manifest in unimaginable ways, leaving a lasting impact on all those who survive.

After twenty grueling days, an opportunity presented itself for Chernov and his team to escape Mariupol. Negotiating a green corridor, they managed to navigate through fifteen Russian checkpoints within the occupied territory, eventually finding safety with a Red Cross convoy.

Mstyslav Chernov's courageous reporting has provided the world with a glimpse into the devastating reality of war in Ukraine. "20 Days in Mariupol" serves as a stark reminder of the immense human suffering endured during conflict, shedding light on the strength and vulnerability of individuals in times of crisis.