A compelling new documentary sheds light on Vladimir Putin’s extensive efforts to indoctrinate Russian schoolchildren, as the conflict in Ukraine nears its fourth anniversary.
Entitled “Mr. Nobody Against Putin,” the film captures the experiences of children in a Siberian town, secretly recorded by Pavel “Pasha” Talankin, a former teacher now living in exile. These students are seen transforming into young proponents of Russian nationalism, marching through school corridors and swearing allegiance to the Kremlin.
Co-director David Borenstein, who collaborated with Talankin on the project, shared with The Post, “We filmed undercover in Pasha’s school for over two years, fully aware that any error could cost Pasha his freedom. His bravery is central to our narrative.”
The documentary is set against the backdrop of Karabash, an industrial city infamous for its extreme pollution levels. Talankin, who worked as a videographer at the local high school, documented the impact of a new curriculum introduced by the Russian Education Ministry, designed to instill loyalty to the Kremlin.
In the film, Talankin expresses his dedication to his profession, stating, “I love my job, but I don’t want to be a pawn of the regime.”
“I love my job,” he says in the documentary, “but I don’t want to be a pawn of the regime.”
After studying film in Russia’s regional capital of Chelyabinsk, Talankin returned home to work at Karabash School No. 1 where he previously graduated from.
Armed with just a camera, he outwardly complied with Putin’s propaganda push while discreetly documenting it.
While Putin continues to wage his war on Ukraine, the school is seen transforming into a pipeline to the bloody conflict. Students compete in grenade-throwing drills, attend weekly patriotic lectures and watch classmates receive conscription notices, according to the documentary.
Shortly after the end of the school year in 2024, Talankin made his daring escape, fleeing Moscow for Istanbul, where he met Borenstein for the first time.
“For anyone that watches this, the message that Putin is delivering to the children of Russia is clear: prepare for a future of warfare and empire,” Borenstein warned.
“This does not end with just Ukraine.”
In one chilling scene, Russian residents are filmed parading through the streets during Victory Day celebrations holding portraits of soldiers killed in World War II — and in Kyiv — blurring the line between past and present.
In another clip, fighters from the Wagner mercenary group demonstrate combat techniques and introduce students to weapons at a school assembly.
The film, made its US premiere at Greenwich Village’s IFC Center last month and has been nominated for an Oscar – with Talankin appearing at a screening to promote the film in the Big Apple last week.
It was first released in Europe in 2025.
The exiled teacher said he knew the risks of the project but his unwavering commitment to the film’s message kept him going.
“Love for your country is not about putting up a flag.” Talankin explained. “It is not about singing the anthem either. It’s not about exploitation and propaganda.
“Love for your country means saying: ‘We have a problem.’”
