Mr. Nobody Against Putin – Hot Docs 2025
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April 24 to May 4, 2025
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A Russian schoolteacher secretly begins filming the propaganda added to the curriculum in Mr. Nobody Against Putin. Pavel “Pasha” Talankin is the event coordinator and media faculty at an elementary school in Karabash, Russia. Following the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the curriculum at the school changed to spread propaganda and militarize the students. Pasha is contacted by a European documentary producer, and he proceeds to use his job as a way to secretly film the propaganda going on at the school.
Mr. Nobody Against Putin Synopsis
Mr. Nobody Against Putin is a documentary directed by David Borenstein and co-directed, shot, and narrated by the film’s subject, Pavel Talankin. The story of the film is constructed from footage Pavel shot in secret over two years. During this period, Pavel becomes concerned for his safety and makes plans to escape Russia with his footage.
My Thoughts on Mr. Nobody Against Putin
The main selling point of Mr. Nobody Against Putin is that the film is about an average Russian citizen attempting to fight back against the Russian propaganda machine. Indeed, the film often takes a lighthearted tone, contrasting Pavel Talankin’s beliefs with those fully on board with the regime. While the film doesn’t get too much into the logistics of how Pavel began working with David Borenstein, or how he escaped Russia, Mr. Nobody Against Putin helps to show that not everyone in Russia is a blind follower of Putin.
Trailer for Mr. Nobody Against Putin – Hot Docs 2025
