enda
Film

Mr. Nobody Against Putin

David Borenstein, Denmark, 2025

90 min.DK/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.
Basic information Credits
Original title Mr. Nobody Against Putin
Danish title Mr. Nobody mod Putin
Director David Borenstein
Co-director Pavel Talankin
Producer Helle Faber
Director of Photography Pavel Talankin
Editor Nicolaj Monberg, Rebekka Lønqvist
Sound Peter Schultz
Composer Michal Rataj, Jonas Struck
Production country Denmark
Domestic distribution CPH:DOX
International sales DR Sales
Danish festival release 27.02.2025, Empire, CPH:DOX 2025
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Companies

Production company Made in Copenhagen
Domestic distribution CPH:DOX

Direction

Direction David Borenstein
Co-director Pavel Talankin

Production

Production Helle Faber
Producer Helle Faber
Co-producer Radovan Sibrt
Co-producer Petra Dobešovà
Co-producer Alzbeta Karàskovà

Cinematography

Cinematographer Pavel Talankin

Editing

Editor Nicolaj Monberg
Editor Rebekka Lønqvist

Music

Composer Michal Rataj
Composer Jonas Struck

Sound

Sound designer Peter Schultz
Sound Teis Sysvig
Sound Kevin Bavnhøj

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