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Directed by David Borenstein
Mr. Nobody mod Putin
A grounded, dark documentary.
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.
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Some Americans will watch this documentary and think, “Wow, a country where its government is ran by an unhinged dictator that pumps dangerous propaganda into its news cycle, deliberately targets the youth, and silences anyone that attempts to protest? What a terrible place to live!” and never realize the cruel irony.
Just do what you can.
I really hope Pavel Talankin will be okay. He took a huge risk making a film that Vladimir Putin would consider treasonous. I can't believe the risks he took. Pavel is a teacher filled with positivity, warmth and a kind of endearing dorky sense of humor. He's an individual in a place where conformity is the norm. We watch as his happy-go-lucky spirit is stripped away. Once the invasion of Ukraine began schools were mandated to follow a strict script of propaganda. Since Pavel is the school's videographer he's able to capture the drastic change. We watch as the kids' innocence and happiness drain away. In one really shocking scene the military comes to demonstrate with assault rifles and grenades instructing the students how to use them. They are told that dying in battle will guarantee they will always be remembered and honored. Some will have statues made of them. Live snuffed out and turned to stone. Pavel's narration and camera work are at first whimsical, but then turns defeated and hopeless. His making of this film is not in defiance of his country but rather his love for it.
This documentary follows a Russian teacher who works undercover to film the state-mandated indoctrination and military propaganda infiltrating his school following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The film is directed by David Borenstein and was released in 2025.
The documentary earned significant recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature.
