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'Mr. Nobody Against Putin' shows pro-war propaganda campaign in Russian schools

Teacher Pavel Talankin films students in a classroom. (Courtesy of Pavel Talankin)
Courtesy of Pavel Talankin
Teacher Pavel Talankin films students in a classroom. (Courtesy of Pavel Talankin)

After Russia invaded Ukraine, Putin’s regime required schools across the country to adopt a curriculum promoting war, degrading Ukraine and delivering pro-Russian propaganda.

In a small industrial town called Karabash, one school teacher films what’s happening, feeling powerless and guilty of being part of Putin’s pro-war propaganda machine. The teacher, Pasha Talankin, fled Russia, fearing that his life might be at risk. Outside Russia, he collaborated with Danish filmmaker David Borenstein on “Mr. Nobody Against Putin.” The documentary is nominated for an Oscar.

Here & Now‘s Scott Tong speaks with Borenstein about it.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Copyright 2026 WBUR

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