Sundance Doc 'Mr. Nobody Against Putin' Explores Russia's School Propaganda

The film captures a Russian teacher's defiance against the Kremlin's indoctrination efforts following the Ukraine invasion.

The documentary 'Mr. Nobody Against Putin,' co-directed by David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is seeking U.S. distribution.
The film provides a rare, humanizing look at the militarization and indoctrination of Russian schools after the Ukraine war began in February 2022.
Pavel 'Pasha' Talankin, a school videographer and teacher in Karabash, documents the Kremlin's propaganda efforts, including patriotic ceremonies and pro-war curriculum mandates.
The documentary highlights Pasha's subtle acts of resistance, such as playing Lady Gaga's rendition of the U.S. national anthem during a school event, which put him under government suspicion.
Through personal footage and voiceovers, the film portrays Pasha's connection with students and his eventual decision to flee Russia to share his story with the world.