“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” Exposes Russian School Indoctrination and Wins Bafta Award
A new documentary, “Mr. Nobody Against Putin,” directed by David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin, offers a chilling look inside the Russian education system as it’s been reshaped to promote pro-government sentiment and support for the war in Ukraine. The film, which won the Best Documentary award at the 2024 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), follows Pavel Talankin, a school teacher and videographer in Karabash, a mining town in the Ural Mountains, as he secretly documents the implementation of a new “patriotic education” program.
A Hidden Camera in a Russian Classroom
Talankin, whose role at Karabash Primary School #1 was to coordinate and film school events, began documenting the changes after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The government mandated that schools hold “patriotic displays” and use a state-written curriculum to justify the invasion to students. He uploaded footage to a government website as required, but similarly secretly sent it to Borenstein in the US, who then edited it into the documentary.
The film reveals how children, initially confused and bored, gradually absorb the government’s propaganda. Early scenes show students singing cheerful songs, but later footage depicts them struggling with terms like “denazification” and “demilitarisation” as they are forced to recite government scripts about the war. The documentary also shows the introduction of paramilitary training, including lessons on identifying and avoiding landmines, and grenade-throwing competitions.
Risk and Sacrifice
Talankin’s actions were incredibly risky. New, repressive anti-treason laws introduced during filming threatened him with life imprisonment if his project was discovered. He was forced to flee Russia, seeking political asylum in Europe, leaving behind his family and life. He left Russia under the guise of a vacation to Turkey, carrying copies of his recordings.
“It’s better to talk about problems than be silent about them,” Talankin stated.
State Response and Underground Viewership
Russian state media has largely ignored the film’s success, remaining silent about its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it won a Special Jury Award, and its BAFTA win. The FSB, Russia’s state intelligence agency, reportedly visited the school in Karabash after learning the film had been widely viewed, instructing staff to deny any knowledge of Talankin or the project.
Despite the official silence, the film has circulated among Russians through pirated copies, shared like samizdat literature during the Soviet era. Talankin reports receiving messages of gratitude, as well as threats.
Oscar Nomination and Long-Term Impact
“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” was nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, but was not shortlisted. Despite this, Talankin hopes the film will raise awareness within Russia about the indoctrination taking place in schools. He believes it will help future generations understand they were victims of propaganda.
Borenstein, in his BAFTA acceptance speech, praised Talankin’s bravery, stating, “He is not Mr Nobody… Courage is found in unlikely places. We need more Mr Nobodies.”
“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” is available on BBC iPlayer (Storyville, BBCFour).