Film Review: MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN
by Karen Pecota

David Borenstein and Pavel “Pasha” llyich Talankin, Denmark, Czech Republic 2025

A beloved Russian school teacher, Pavel “Pasha” Talankin, co-directs with Danish filmmaker David Borenstein in collaboration a story of intrigue at the beginning of the Russian aggression on the country of Ukraine in MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN.

Talankin, a teacher in Karabach, Russia, is proud of the school where he is an educator and is the exact school he attended as a child. Talankin is the teacher every student wants because of the attention he gives them in practical ways: as a mentor, allowing his office to be a safe place to hang out, and one who enjoys having fun, often being a prankster. He is sincerely relatable to his students.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine was the beginning of major changes in the Russian school systems that Talankin was forced to comply to. State-sanctioned messages that were extremely militant preparing the very young for military service sooner than later was the order of the day. Talankin was appalled at the drastic changes and felt powerless, until he had enough. In due time, Talankin became an international whistleblower.

Talankin wore a few different hats at the Karabach Primary School #1, one being the school’s official videographer to capture the joyful side of school life. Talankin had the perfect alibi as the school’s documentarian to accurately record all activities the students—specifically those now required of them as never before this war. Talankin filmed the rise of these students being militarized, adhering to repressive laws, fervent nationalism, and the recruitment of young students to fight in the war. Borenstein and Talankin share, “This film is as captivating and joyful as it is eye-opening and sobering.” Adding, “It showcases rare footage that reveals the profound impact of Putin’s regime on the lives of everyday Russians, particularly its children.” Talankin admits his fear of working on his project. It was dangerous. One wrong hint of suspicion and he could land in prison for fifteen-twenty years or longer.

Talankin recalls his colleagues’ concern and saying, “When will we actually teach? All we do is march and sing.” MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN is Talankin’s way of showing the world what’s happening. His hope is that, “Maybe someday, it will help Russians to look back, face their mistakes and prevent this from happening again.”

Talankin learns that his own life is at risk. MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN takes the audience on a personal journey of Talankin’s only option for survival, a plan to escape Russia.

WINNER of the Sundance 2025 film Festival World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award