Mstyslav Chernov warns of the impact of narrative manipulation in modern warfare

Chernov discussed the challenges of reporting from war zones, the evolving nature of warfare, and the significance of accurate journalism in an era of widespread misinformation. Chernov is widely recognised for his work, notably his documentary ‘20 Days in Mariupol,’ which has won an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film, a BAFTA, and a DGA award, among many others. He is in Amsterdam to accept the IBC International Honour for Excellence (IHFE).

Chernov began his career as a documentary photographer but was thrust into war journalism when conflict erupted in Ukraine. He explained that as war came to his doorstep, he, along with many of his peers, became war correspondents by necessity. His work transitioned from daily journalism to more in-depth reporting, which he believes is essential in the face of misinformation. According to Chernov, reporting from war zones has become significantly more dangerous due to advanced weapons like drones and high-precision targeting systems, making journalists potential targets.

Chernov warned of the power of misinformation in modern warfare. He compared it to a weapon, highlighting how countries and groups have realised the strategic importance of controlling the narrative. In his experience, it is not enough to simply report events; journalists must ensure that their reports are not misinterpreted or distorted. This challenge has grown over the last decade as fewer reporters make it to the front lines, leading to a scarcity of reliable information.

Despite the dangers, Chernov remains motivated to cover conflicts, driven by the suffering he witnesses and a moral obligation to document these events. However, he acknowledged the emotional toll that war reporting takes on journalists. He stressed the importance of having a support system, including editors and colleagues, to help draw ethical lines and ensure that journalists do not overextend themselves. For Chernov, teamwork is crucial; in war zones, he works in teams of three to four people, making collective decisions about safety.

Coping with the trauma of war is another significant aspect of Chernov’s work. He noted that while psychological support from friends, family, and counsellors is vital, the real challenge often arises after leaving the war zone. In the silence that follows, journalists are left to process the horrors they have witnessed. Chernov explained that many journalists continue working in conflict zones as a way to make sense of their experiences and avoid confronting their trauma directly.

Chernov’s documentary ‘20 Days in Mariupol’ was a significant project for him. He explained that daily news reports could not fully capture the complexity of the war, which motivated him to create the film. The documentary aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the conflict, countering the disinformation propagated by Russian media. He noted that Russia even produced its own fictional series about Mariupol to replace real information with propaganda.

On the topic of journalistic objectivity, Chernov argued that the term “objective” is often overused and suggested replacing it with “fair.” However, he cautioned against being too objective, as it can erode trust. For him, maintaining credibility with the audience is crucial, especially in a media landscape where people expect journalists to express their opinions.