Wednesday, January 21 at 6:45: Q&A with Executive Producer Robin Hessman (My Perestroika) moderated by Keith Gessen, contributing writer for the New Yorker after the screening
Thursday, February 5 at 6:45: Q&A with director David Borenstein moderated by Keith Gessen after the screening
Saturday, February 7 at 6:45: Q&A with dir. David Borenstein and subject/director Pasha Talankin moderated by David Osit (PREDATORS, MAYOR) after the screening
Academy Award Nominee: Best Documentary
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 co-directed by 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.
Official Selection: Sundance Film Festival, DOC NYC
"In the serious-as-a-heart-attack war documentary landscape, it is a unicorn." -Indiewire