THE STORY – As Russia launches its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, primary schools across Russia’s hinterlands are transformed into recruitment stages for the war. Facing the ethical dilemma of working in a system defined by propaganda and violence, a brave teacher goes undercover to film what’s really happening in his own school.
THE CAST – N/A
THE TEAM – David Borenstein (Director/Writer) & Pavel Talankin (Director)
THE RUNNING TIME – 90 Minutes
“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” is a hauntingly powerful documentary that brings to light the silent courage of civilians in the face of an oppressive regime. Directed by David Borenstein, this film follows the journey of Pasha Talankin, an event organizer and videographer at Karabash Primary School in Russia, while he navigates the disturbing and often heartbreaking transformation of his school into a propaganda machine for Putin’s war in Ukraine. The footage, captured by Pasha himself, tells a story of bravery that often goes unseen – the bravery of those who dare to expose the truth in a world where silence often means survival.
The documentary begins with the alarming sound of an air raid siren, followed by a phone call that sets the stage for Pasha’s decision to escape. Then, by flashing back two-and-a-half years, the tone of the film is immediately disarming, with Pasha’s light-hearted narration and the playful score providing a stark contrast to the upcoming reality of war. In his voiceover, Pasha admits, “In this moment, I have no idea the amount of trouble I’m about to cause for myself,” setting the stage for the dangerous journey.
At first, Pasha’s town, Karabash, is portrayed with humor and charm. Pasha, a man with deep affection for his hometown, shows us a side of life that contrasts with the toxic industrial environment often associated with the area. But when war broke out in February 2022, everything changed. The bright future of the children at the school is overshadowed by a nationalistic curriculum designed to glorify war and demonize Ukraine.
As the government’s propaganda machine tightens its grip, Pasha finds himself filming lessons that promote hatred and violence. His job as the school videographer becomes a task of perpetuating state-sanctioned lies like a propagandist. It’s heartbreaking to watch as Pasha, once a hopeful figure, now feels the weight of his moral dilemma. He’s forced to document the systematic poisoning of young minds, and the frustration of the teachers around him is palpable as they are stripped of their ability to teach. The children’s grades plummet, but the true casualty is their innocence. Pasha’s footage shows the growing influence of the regime’s propaganda, making it clear that this isn’t just education – it’s brainwashing.
What makes “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” so powerful is its intimate portrayal of Pasha as a person, not just as a bystander to history. Through his camera lens, we see more than an educator doing his job; we see a person torn between his love for his country and the horrifying reality unfolding before him. The moments where Pasha speaks directly to his camera, his vulnerability on display, are deeply moving. We see the toll that the regime takes on him as he risks his freedom to show the world what’s happening behind closed doors.
Pasha’s story is not just about him, though. It’s about the kids who are now being indoctrinated and sent off to war, many of them not to return. The pain of seeing former students leave for the frontlines, knowing that their lives hang in the balance, is palpable. The film’s most heartbreaking moment comes when Pasha shares the audio of a mother’s wail at the funeral of her son – an unbearable reminder of the human cost of war. The weight of loss, the danger Pasha faces, and the emotional devastation of watching the destruction caused by his country are captured in each frame.
Pasha’s fight is not just against the regime but for the soul of Russia itself. His words ring out with clarity: “Love for your country is not about putting up a flag; it’s about saying ‘we have a problem.'” His actions, while risky, are a testament to the profound care he has for his people and his country. As he walks the razor-thin line between patriotism and treason, he risks everything to give us a glimpse of the truth.
By the end of the film, Pasha’s footage has been smuggled out of Russia, and the documentary stands as both a powerful exposé of Putin’s propaganda machine and a deeply personal love letter to a home that has been irrevocably altered. “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” is not just a film about war; it’s a testament to the quiet acts of defiance that often go unnoticed in the face of tyranny. Though quiet and personal, Pasha’s bravery reverberates loudly through the images and the truth he shares with the world.
