Mr. Nobody Against Putin (M)

This urgent, Sundance prize-winning documentary follows a brave and charismatic Russian teacher as he exposes shocking new propaganda at his school amid the invasion of Ukraine. 

Teacher Pavel “Pasha” Talankin loves his job - until Russia invades Ukraine. Disturbed by propaganda in the classroom and military recruiters on campus, he begins to resist. Secretly filming under the guise of school videographer, Pasha risks everything to expose the truth, sending footage to filmmaker David Borenstein while planning his escape. A daring act of protest and collaboration, this gripping documentary, winner of Sundance’s World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Prize, is a powerful portrait of courage under an authoritarian regime.

Cast: Viktor Abakumov, Lavrenti Beria, Yevhen Konovalets

Directors: David Borenstein, Pavel Ilyich Talankin

★★★★½ "Despite the depressing nature of what’s happening at the school, Talankin’s affection for his students and his resilient sense of humour ensure that the film is always engaging." EYE FOR FILM

★★★★ "A must-watch, indelible document of ideological warfare that echoes far beyond Russia" GUARDIAN

★★★★ "This is an inspiring, powerfully personal film with huge ramifications." SHADOWS ON THE WALL

★★★★ "the thing about Mr Nobody Against Putin is that its themes have never been more vital, nor have they been more easily found in other countries." LOUD AND CLEAR

★★★★ "a fascinating and daring look at everyday encroachment" GUARDIAN

"Through the eyes of its delightfully brave, yet utterly relatable subject, this terrifying, revelatory and poignant exposé offers an unseen human angle on an ongoing conflict" VARIETY