Registration REQUIRED by 4pm on April 24, 2026 in order to attend this event.
Please join the Harriman Institute and the Film and Media Studies Program at the School of the Arts for a screening of the Academy Award winning documentary feature “Mr. Nobody Against Putin.” The screening will be followed by a conversation with director David Borenstein, director Pavel Talankin, and producer Robin Hessman. Moderated by Mikhail Zygar.
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 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.
David Borenstein is a filmmaker based in Copenhagen, His award-winning films include “I Can’t Feel Nothing” (CPH: DOX 2024), “Love Factory” (NYTimes 2021), and “Dream Empire” (IDFA 2016). In addition to his feature work, David has produced and directed television for countless international broadcasters, earning him the broadcast equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize.
Pavel Talankin until recently was a teacher-organizer at Karabash Primary School #1 in Karabash, Russia. As part of his job, he served as school videographer and instructed children in shooting and editing video. “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” is his first film. He now lives in Europe.
