WAR CORRESPONDENT

Screening of the documentary film with English subtitles, followed by a round table discussion.

Hosted by the School of Public Affairs of Sciences Po.

Co-organised by the Embassy of the Czech Republic, the Embassy of Ukraine, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, the Member State presiding over the Council of the European Union, and the School of Public Affairs at Sciences Po Paris, to commemorate the  anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

A documentary film that will leave no one indifferent

This captivating documentary, centred on journalist Martin Dorazín, immerses us in the daily lives of ordinary people facing the enduring consequences of war. Through Dorazín's perspective, we discover that the true strength behind conflicts lies not in military victories, but in the unwavering resilience of civilians. The film delves into the theme of social resistance, highlighting Dorazín's work through his radio reports.

It also addresses the context of community life, emphasising that the strength of a community is measured by the resilience of its most vulnerable members. Failure often occurs when unity is lacking, as simply coming together enhances the chances of collective survival. This is a message that resonates even in societies not directly threatened by war.

Directed by David Čálek and Benjamin Tuček, and produced by Václav Flegl, this poignant film offers a unique insight into the life and work of Martin Dorazín, one of the Czech Republic's most experienced war reporters. By telling the stories of those who suffer the ravages of conflict, this documentary sheds light on the current context of the war in Ukraine while underscoring the crucial importance of conflict reporting.

The real and virtual battle

This film not only focuses on war and its consequences but also highlights the crucial importance of having journalists on the ground to report the "truth," often the first casualty of any conflict. Independent field reporting is the most important source of information, especially in a world where manipulation and disinformation are commonplace. The documentary thus addresses the issue of combating fake news and disinformation, which often create a distorted image of reality. Through Martin Dorazín's journey, we discover how committed journalism is essential to enlighten the public and fight against misleading narratives that can influence our perception of the world.

A man on a mission

Martin Dorazín has been a war correspondent for Czech Radio since 1990. He has covered various conflicts around the world, from the Balkans to Afghanistan and Ukraine. In January 2022, anticipating imminent events, he left his post as a correspondent in Warsaw to go to Mariupol. Even after the fall of the city, he continued to report on the most intense battle scenes. In October 2022, he was appointed permanent correspondent in Ukraine, and in February 2023, he was awarded the Ferdinand Peroutka Prize for his journalistic work. In the summer of 2024, he was nominated by the Czech Chamber of Deputies to receive the Order of the White Lion, the highest Czech state honour.
This film project promises to touch hearts and open minds to often overlooked realities.

Round Table Discussion

H. E. Jaroslav KURFÜRST – Ambassador of the Czech Republic to France and Monaco
Jacques RUPNIK – Research Professor Emeritus at CERI, Professor at Sciences Po Paris 
Martin DORAZIN – Permanent Correspondent of Czech Radio in Ukraine
Oleg TCHACHENKO – Founder of the Refugee Center for refugees from Donetsk

Moderated by Martin BALUCHA – Correspondent of Czech Radio in France