2000 METERS TO ANDRIIVKA: WITNESSING WAR UP CLOSE
The Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, together with the Embassy of Ukraine in Türkiye and the Goethe-Institut Ankara, hosted a special screening of the documentary film 2000 Meters to Andriivka on 22 November with the participation of Oscar and Pulitzer Prize-winning Ukrainian filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov. The event was held with the participation of diplomatic circles, the cultural and artistic community, civil society representatives, and members of the media.
2000 Meters to Andriivka, selected to represent Ukraine at the 2025–2026 Academy Awards, documents the liberation of the village of Andriivka, where Ukrainian soldiers advanced 2000 meters under constant Russian fire. Through a powerful blend of frontline footage and personal testimony, Mr. Chernov offers an intimate portrayal of resilience, sacrifice, and the human cost of Russia’s unlawful aggression against Ukraine. The screening follows last year’s Ankara showing of his Oscar-winning 20 Days in Mariupol.
The programme found its rhythm with the opening remarks and continued with a panel in which Mr. Chernov shared his experiences. Speaking at the event, Jurgis Vilčinskas, Acting Head of the Delegation of The European Union to Türkiye, said:
“Mstyslav Chernov’s work reminds us why documentary cinema matters so deeply. It bears witness when witnesses are few. It preserves truth when truth is under attack. And it brings voices from the frontlines to audiences who might otherwise never hear them. Tonight’s screening is a powerful reminder of the human cost of Russia’s unlawful aggression against Ukraine and of the courage of those who continue to defend their freedom. It also reflects the European Union’s unwavering commitment to stand with Ukraine, not only through political and financial support, but by protecting the spaces where truth can be told, shared, and preserved.”
Ambassador of Ukraine to Türkiye Nariman Dzhelialov noted:
"2000 Meters to Andriivka is not a work of fiction, it’s a truthful portrait of contemporary Ukrainian reality — the daily reality of war and the Ukrainian people’s struggle for their existence. It is a story of resistance, courage, fear, pain, and, unfortunately, death — the death brought by Russia. It is the story of soldiers who, like all those who defend their homeland, move forward not for the sake of war, but for the sake of the home they must protect."
Dr. Petra Köppel-Meyer, Director of the Goethe-Institut Ankara, added:
“It is a great honor for the Goethe-Institut Ankara to host this important event today. We are proud to provide a space for dialogue and reflection through culture, and this screening of 2000 Meters to Andriivka by Mstyslav Chernov is a powerful example of how art can bear witness to reality.”
Ukrainian Director Mstyslav Chernov also spoke:
"While the world’s political attention is focused on Ukraine, I am greatly pleased to have the opportunity to screen this film in Turkiye at this very moment. In the film, we show why Ukrainians fight for every single meter — because behind each meter lies someone’s life, someone’s past, and someone’s future. For me, it is especially important that the world sees and hears our country.”
European Union, 2025
European Union, 2025
European Union, 2025
European Union, 2025
European Union, 2025