Pasha Talankin is an unlikely hero—a beloved Russian primary school teacher, known as a mentor and prankster who offers students a safe haven in his office. After Russia invades Ukraine, Pasha’s role in the school changes dramatically as he is reluctantly drawn into Putin’s propaganda machine. Forced to promote state-sanctioned messages and horrified by the transformation of his school and community, he struggles with guilt and a sense of powerlessness, leading him to become an international whistleblower.

As the school’s videographer, Pasha documents intimate and revealing footage of Putin’s regime, capturing the rise of militarized children’s groups, repressive laws, fervent nationalism, and the recruitment of graduating students to fight in the war. When he learns his own life may be at risk, Pasha is forced to plan a dangerous escape from Russia.

Directed by David Borenstein and co-directed by Pasha Talankin, this uniquely collaborative film is as captivating and joyful as it is eye-opening and sobering. Mr. Nobody Against Putin showcases rare footage that reveals the profound impact of Putin’s regime on the lives of everyday Russians, particularly its children.

“An endearing, infuriating, and despairing non-fiction portrait of a country’s final descent into oppressive authoritarianism, all of it shot covertly by one brave teacher, it’s a striking work of rebel cinema.” - The Daily Beast

“Through the eyes of its delightfully brave, yet utterly relatable subject (also the de facto cinematographer), this terrifying, revelatory and poignant exposé offers an unseen human angle on an ongoing conflict.” - Variety

“Remarkable... An exemplary work of cinematic modernism.” – Richard Brody, The New Yorker

“Quietly revelatory.” – Matt Zoller Seitz, RogerEbert.com

“Nothing short of an act of rebellion.” – Nick Schager, The Daily Beast

“Delightfully brave, yet utterly relatable... Offers an unseen human angle on an ongoing conflict.” – Carlos Aguilar, Variety

“In the wave of documentaries about the Ukraine War that have come out over the past two years, there hasn’t been one that’s offered what Mr. Nobody Against Putin does — and certainly not with such wit, verve, and insight.” – Christian Blauvelt, Indiewire