To commemorate the 18th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, the United Nations hosted
a special event on 27 April 2004 that featured a screening of Maryann De Leo's Oscar-winning
documentary "Chernobyl Heart"
Among those present were Maryann De Leo, Sheila Nevins (from HBO), Mark Malloch Brown (who will
head The United Nations Office on Chernobyl) and Adi Roche (of the Chernobyl Children's
Project). The Belorussian, Ukrainian, and Russian Ambassadors also gave speeches to the
UN. Dr. Novick, who is featured in the film, gave the following speech. "Today, the United Nations recognizes and calls the
world's attention to the greatest nuclear
disaster in the history of our world. Hopefully this will be the last nuclear disaster we as a
people will ever be forced to face. As you have seen in "Chernobyl Heart," the people of this
region are still faced with the effects of this horrific catastrophe."
I am honored and extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to speak with you today. Chernobyl
has been removed from the minds of most of the world outside the countries that
suffered directly from its devastating consequences. It is my fervent hope that HBO's "Chernobyl
Heart" will refocus the attention of the world
on
the continuing problems that the governments, people, and most of all the children of these
regions are facing daily. As the American Indians of the past said, we have but one earth,
let
us live together with it in harmony and reverence.
"Chernobyl Heart" wins the Oscar for the Best Documentary
Short Subject at the 76th Academy Awards.
In her film, the American filmmaker and producer Maryann De Leo focuses on the continuing
effects of the Chernobyl disaster of 1986 on the children of Belarus, the country most affected
by what the United Nations calls the worst technological disaster in the history of the nuclear
age. The film chronicles the invisible trail of radiation to the country's hospitals, cancer
centers,
orphanages and mental asylums.
The 39-minute CHERNOBYL HEART features the children of the Vesnova children's home, which is
located about 125 miles (200 km) southeast of Minsk, near Bobruisk. The facility houses more
than 150 high dependency children and young adults aged five to 25. Chernobyl Children's Project
has been working with Vesnova since 2002 to improve conditions and treatment for the children
there.
The film also features Dr. William Novick, a noted cardiac surgeon whose work in Belarus is
funded by CCPI. More than 7,000 children in Belarus are on an ever-growing waiting list for
lifesaving cardiac surgery.
"CCPI congratulates Maryann De Leo, and all those associated with the film," said Sherrie
Douglas, CCPI's U.S. executive director. "Our hope is that the film will build awareness of
the plight of the children who continue to suffer from the medical, social, and economic
effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986." It is our responsibility to offer not
just humanitarian aid, but long term solutions to be sure that the children of Chernobyl are
not forgotten."
All Rights Reserved By Maryann De Leo.