‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ Directors on the Risks and Rewards of Documenting the Militarization of Russia’s Schools

"Patriotism or Indoctrination: Russian Teacher's Harrowing Journey Against Putin's Propaganda"

In a small town in Karabash, Russia, a former schoolteacher, Pavel "Pasha" Talankin, found himself at the forefront of a rebellion against the government's militarization of schools. What started as a job requirement to document the curriculum for the authorities soon evolved into a courageous act of defiance against the spread of propaganda.

Talankin, who co-directed the documentary "Mr. Nobody Against Putin" with director David Borenstein, recounts how he was initially ordered to record the lessons by the government. However, as time passed, he realized that this information was not meant for public consumption but rather a tool for propaganda aimed at shaping the minds of Russian schoolchildren.

The film reveals the chilling realities of what happens when patriotism is indoctrinated into the education system. Talankin details how students were taught that Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus are "brotherly countries" sharing folklore and stories, while Ukraine was portrayed as a neo-Nazi state in need of salvation. This narrative was allegedly aimed at promoting nationalism and preparing young minds for war.

Borenstein's editing skills transformed the copious footage Talankin sent him into a powerful narrative that humanizes the situation and raises questions about the morality of government control over education. "It's not just a film; it's a complete record of what's happening right now in Russia," Borenstein emphasizes.

The production process was fraught with risks, as the Russian government cracked down on dissenting voices. The filmmakers faced new laws every few months, further restricting their creative freedom. Talankin notes that even his own mother, who worked as the school librarian, was affected by her son's decision to speak out against the government.

The film concludes with Talankin resigning from his job and fleeing Russia for Europe, leaving behind a life of uncertainty. Despite this, he remains proud of his work, knowing it has resonated with educators and audiences worldwide.

"Mr. Nobody Against Putin" has won several accolades, including a special jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival and being selected as Denmark's candidate for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards. The film serves as a powerful reminder that education should be a shield against manipulation, not an instrument of propaganda.

I feel so bad for this guy Pasha Talankin, I mean we all know how tricky it is to speak out against the system but he went full out, and what did he get in return? New laws restricting his freedom, his own mom got affected . This docu's like a wake-up call, you know when people say 'education is key' well this guy's story shows that's not always true, sometimes it's just a tool for controlling minds . The government might try to control the narrative but we gotta be brave enough to question it, Pasha's courage might've cost him his job and freedom, but it also gave us a message that can't be silenced

Idk how people in Russia can still watch Putin's news with straight faces . It's like they're being fed a bunch of scripted propaganda and just blindly swallowing it. I mean, who needs to learn about Ukrainian folklore when you've got some dude telling you it's "brotherly" ? The fact that Talankin spoke out against this is super brave, tbh . I'm glad the film is doing well at festivals, maybe it'll inspire more people to question what they're being fed in school . Can't let Putin win at manipulating education .

I'm still getting goosebumps thinking about Pavel Talankin's bravery . As someone who's lived through their share of ups and downs, I can only imagine how daunting it must've been for him to stand up against the government like that. It takes a lot of guts to speak truth to power, especially when it comes to something as vital as education .

What really gets me is how he saw the red flags from the start - the propaganda was never meant to be shared with the public, but rather used to shape young minds . And what's even more chilling is that his own family member, his mom, got affected by her son's decision .

I think we can all learn a thing or two from Pavel's courage and conviction . Education should be about broadening horizons, not narrowing them down to a specific agenda . And I'm so glad that his story is being told in such an impactful way - it's a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power .

I think its SUPER important to question what our kids are being taught in schools. I mean, who gets to decide what info is true and what's just some made-up propaganda? Pasha Talankin is a total hero for speaking out against the government's plans to control education. Its not cool when they try to shape young minds into believing whatever they want them to believe. The fact that his own mom was affected by him speaking up is insane! We need more people like Pasha who are willing to take risks and challenge the status quo. Education should be about learning, not following orders

omg this is so crazy what was going thru pasha's mind when he realized he was part of spreading propaganda?! i can imagine being in his shoes and having to deal with the gov trying to control every aspect of ur life even if it means putting ur own family at risk. idk man how russia does it, makin people believe they're in a 'brotherly countries' situation w/ ukraine & belarus and then suddenly turnin on them like that its like mind games 24/7. i'm so glad pasha spoke out and now ppl around the world know what's goin on

just watched this doco about some Russian teacher who refused to spew propaganda in schools its wild how deep government control goes especially when its comes to education i mean we all know the dangers of indoctrination but to see it in action like that is pretty scary and what really gets me is that this guy had to risk everything just to speak truth to power his story needs to be told more so that people can learn from his bravery

I'm seriously worried about this whole situation in Russia . It sounds like they're basically brainwashing kids into believing whatever Putin wants them to think. Like, who does that? It's so messed up. What's even crazier is that the teacher, Pavel Talankin, just lost his job and had to flee the country because he refused to play along with their propaganda . I don't blame him one bit for standing up against it - it takes a lot of courage to do what he did.

But you know what really gets me? The fact that the government is using education as a tool to control people's minds. It's like, shouldn't we be teaching kids about all sides of an issue and encouraging critical thinking? Not just parroting whatever the powers that be want us to say . I mean, it's not rocket science - propaganda is meant to manipulate and deceive. We should be warning our kids against it, not indoctrinating them with it.

Anyway, I'm glad the film "Mr. Nobody Against Putin" has gotten some attention and recognition . Maybe it'll help spark a conversation about what we're teaching our kids in school and how we can do better.

I'm literally shook by this docu - how can a teacher just be told to spread propaganda like it's nothing? I mean, what kind of "patriotism" involves erasing history and twisting the truth? It's crazy that this dude Pasha Talankin stood up against it and still managed to create something so powerful. The government needs to rethink their approach to education - kids shouldn't be brainwashed like that!

I think it's super concerning when governments try to control what we learn in schools . It's like they're trying to shape our minds without us even realizing it . Pavel Talankin's story is really eye-opening - I mean, who knew that something as simple as documenting a curriculum could be such a big deal? And the way the Russian government is cracking down on anyone who speaks out against them is just, like, wow .

I'm glad he had the courage to speak up and now his film is inspiring others to do the same . It's really important that we have access to accurate information and critical thinking skills, especially when it comes to politics and history . We need to be able to question what we're being told and think for ourselves, not just accept whatever we're fed .

Anyway, I'm so impressed by the work of Pavel Talankin and David Borenstein - they're true heroes in my book . And it's amazing that their film has been recognized globally with all these awards . It's like a big wake-up call for governments and educators everywhere to take responsibility for what we teach and how we learn .

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin

the idea of patriotism vs indoctrination is super important and this documentary does it justice the government's control over education can be so suffocating its like they're trying to shape our minds without us even realizing it talankin's story is a reminder that one person can make a difference, no matter how small they may seem

omg u can just imagine how scary it must be 4 russia teachers like pasha talankin who refuse 2 play along w/ government's propaganda they're literally risking their careers & freedom 4 speaking out! its insane that Putin's regime is trying 2 control what kids learn in school & shape their minds 2 fit his agenda the film "Mr. Nobody Against Putin" is like a wake-up call 4 us all - we gotta be vigilant about who's controlling our education & make sure it serves the people, not just 1 gov

I think it's wild how Talankin just kept saying no to his job requirement and exposed the truth anyway . I mean, who needs to follow orders if you know something's not right? It takes a lot of courage to speak out against your own government, especially when they're trying to shape young minds. The film looks super compelling, and it's awesome that Borenstein was able to help Talankin share his story .

It's crazy how Putin's regime is affecting people like Talankin and even his mom, who works in the school system . Education should be about learning, not propaganda . I'm glad Talankin got out alive and his film won some awards - it's a great reminder of the importance of free speech and critical thinking .

I wonder what'll happen to Russia now that Talankin spoke out... will they try to silence him even more? Fingers crossed for freedom of expression in Russia .