"Photo of the Day": Mstyslav Chernov, director of 20 Days in Mariupol, and Jerry Heil meet in Cannes during the film festival

Mstyslav Chernov, the director who won Ukraine's first Oscar for his documentary 20 Days in Mariupol, and singer Jerry Heil, who won 3rd place in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in a duet with alyona alyona, met in Cannes (France) during the film festival, which runs from May 14 to May 25.

It was the first meeting between Chernov and Jerry Heil. According to the vocalist's Instagram post, at that time, a Ukrainian event was taking place – a charity evening at the Ukraine Fashion Film Festival to raise funds to support children. Earlier, the singer has already reported in her blog that she has an important mission at the Cannes Film Festival.

"I was happy to meet Mstislav Chernov at the Ukrainian event at the Cannes Film Festival! I have always dreamed of Ukrainian music becoming part of the global industry. Now it is becoming a reality! At the same time, Ukrainian cinema is also making its way to the world," wrote Jerry Heil.

In particular, she told us how proud she was of Mstyslav Chernov's work and how invaluable and important his work is for the development of culture.

"Mstyslav and his incredibly hardworking team didn't just win an Oscar – they impressed the world! This is necessary today more than ever! I am sure that Ukrainian culture will unite the world with its authenticity, sincerity, and depth! Perhaps this is a challenge, but it is also a great reward to be a Ukrainian at such a time," the artist said.

Later, the vocalist wrote on Telegram how important any mention of Ukraine at the world film festival is. She called her presence in Cannes a part of a huge mission that could yield good results in the future.

"I'm incredibly grateful to him [Mstyslav Chernov] and the team for the fact that the world now knows more. Cannes is a place where someone comes for contacts, someone comes for fame, and someone comes for work. Who among them cares about Ukraine? Everyone does. If people get an impression, they share it with others. This is not just a challenge, it is the task of Ukrainian culture today. To be authentic and relevant at the same time. To impress and inspire people to talk about Ukraine," said Jerry Heil.

In the comments, Ukrainians supported the artists and thanked them for their contribution to culture:

• "The best! Thank you for everything you do."
• "Photo of the day: the future Grammy winner and Oscar-winning film director."
• "More to come".
• "There is no test that our Ukrainians cannot pass. You are incredible."

It is worth noting that two Ukrainian films were screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Their screenings were closed. The State Film Agency of Ukraine reported that film critics reviewed Anna Buryachkova's drama Forever-Forever and Philip Sotnychenko's ironic detective story La Palisiade.

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