Pavel “Pasha” Talankin is an unlikely hero – a beloved 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, Pasha’s role in the school changes dramatically and he gets 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 militarised children’s groups, repressive laws, fervent nationalism, and the recruitment of graduating students to fight in the war. When he discovers his own life may be at risk, Pasha is forced to plan a dangerous escape from Russia.

Co-directed by David Borenstein and Pavel 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 children.

The Q&A will be moderated by John Lough, Associate Fellow of the Russia & Eurasia Programme at Chatham House and a regular commentator on Russian and Eastern European affairs. John Lough is a Trustee of New Generation Europe Foundation.

The Q&A will be in Russian, with live translation to English. 

This screening is taking place with the support of New Generation Europe Foundation.

Pavel “Pasha” Talankin worked as a school videographer at Karabash Primary School, located in a small town in Russia. In 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Pasha was forced to organise state propaganda events at the school. Refusing to participate, he risked his safety to document the reality of indoctrination in Russian schools. His collaboration with documentary filmmaker David Borenstein led to Mr Nobody Against Putin, a film revealing the regime’s use of education to sustain power. The documentary has received international acclaim, including the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award at Sundance 2025, along with audience and jury prizes at festivals such as One World (Prague), and DocsBarcelona. Pasha’s courage stands as a testament to individual resistance and the power of truth.