‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ screening and conversation

It’s been almost four years since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a bloody full-scale invasion of Ukraine. From war-ravaged cities to devastated communities throughout the country, the conflict has shown Ukraine is forever changed. Perhaps less visible to Western audiences are the changes the war has brought to Russia. Pavel Talankin witnessed the changes firsthand at his school in the small mining town of Karabash. Then a primary school teacher and beloved mentor to students, Talankin was forced into Putin’s propaganda machine promoting state-sanctioned messages. As the school’s videographer, Talankin filmed the transformation of his students to his horror. The experience led Talankin to leave Russia to a new role as whistleblower and documentary filmmaker alongside director David Borenstein.

Join us for a screening of the Sundance Film Festival award-winning documentary, “Mr. Nobody Against Putin.” Following the screening, WBUR senior reporter Anthony Brooks will moderate a discussion with Talankin and Borenstein.

About “Mr. Nobody Against Putin”

Pavel “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. As Russia launches its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Talankin’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, Talankin 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 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.

Ways To Save

WBUR’s Legacy Circle, Murrow Society, Sustainers and Members save $5.00 on tickets to this event. To apply the discount to your ticket purchase online, you’ll need to enter a promo code. You can get your code by emailing [email protected].

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