Mr. Nobody Against Putin
The film follows Pavel “Pasha” Talankin, a beloved and modest teacher in the Russian town of Karabash. His students adore him; he is a mentor, joker, and safe haven for anyone who feels different. But when Russia invades Ukraine, his school is transformed into a stage for state propaganda. Flags are raised, history lessons are rewritten, and children are forced to march and sing military odes. As the school videographer, Pasha is tasked with capturing it all on film. What he films is not the glossy patriotism expected of him, but the creeping fear, the loss of freedom, and the militarization of an entire generation. His camera becomes his weapon.
The result is a sharp and revealing film about state control, the vulnerability of education, and the moral choices ordinary citizens must make under pressure from the regime. Think Orwell, think Trump, think... At the same time, the film retains an unexpected lightness and humor. Despite the threat and the seriousness of what he captures, Pasha remains a light-hearted and sparkling storyteller. His jokes, his warmth, and his sharp observations make the film a special, almost unique experience. No wonder the film was a sensation at the Sundance Film Festival and was immediately labeled a favorite for the Oscars. Since then, it has been on a triumphant tour of film festivals worldwide, including in the Netherlands. A must-see that you won't soon forget.
- Direction
- David Borenstein, Pavel Talankin
- Cast
- Pavel Sudoplatov (Zichzelf)
- Duration
- 90 min
- RELEASE
- Thu 15 Jan
- Year
- 2025
- Country
- Denmark, Czech Republic, Germany
- Language
- Russian
- Subtitles
- Dutch