Silence becomes safer than speech when classrooms turn into theatres of state power. Mr. Nobody Against Putin (2025) demonstrates the extraordinary valor of a single individual who selected the path of honesty instead of apprehension. The documentary is a testament to how regular citizens maintain their strength during unduly tough situations. 

Plunge headfirst into the exceptional life of a Russian elementary school instructor who became an international advocate against injustice.

The Danish-Czech-German documentary chronicles the unlikely journey of a Russian primary school teacher who raised his voice against propaganda and repression. The principal character of Mr. Nobody Against Putin follows Pavel Pasha Talankin, who worked as an educator and school videographer in the Russian Ural Mountains industrial town of Karabash. 

The new patriotic education program, which Russian authorities implemented after they invaded Ukraine, transforms the educational institution into a propaganda center for the government to target students by infiltrating their curriculum. Pasha becomes more disturbed by the educational institution's transformation into a military training center, which forces him to capture footage of students whose independence of thought and individual freedoms face increasing threats from authoritarian government forces.

What Is 'On the Run' on Netflix? Here’s All You Need to Know About the Crime Documentary

Despite the state-mandated patriotic displays in the curriculum in order to justify the invasion of the youth, this documentary preserves an unbiased and authentic vision.

David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin co-direct the documentary, which features authentic and personal footage that demonstrates how Vladimir Putin's policies affect standard Russian citizens, particularly teachers and students who fight against government authority. The documentary received a Best International Feature Film entry at the 98th Academy Awards, though it did not earn a nomination. It also received the Best Documentary Feature Film nomination.

A true gem amongst recent spine-chilling documentaries, Mr. Nobody Against Putin debuted at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award and subsequently traveled to various international film festivals.

Kino Lorber obtained North American distribution rights for the film, which they released in selected theaters and on the Kino Film Collection streaming platform beginning January 22, 2026. The documentary is currently available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. 

7 True Crime Documentaries to Watch After ‘Monster: Ed Gein’ – Must-See Chilling Stories

Have you watched Mr. Nobody Against Putin (2025)? Let us know in the comments below.