"Mr Nobody Against Putin": Oscar-Nominated Film on Russian Teacher Who Takes on State Propaganda - democracy-now Recap
Podcast: democracy-now
Published: 2026-03-04
Duration: 0 min
Guests: Pavel Tolankin, David Borenstein
Summary
The episode discusses the Oscar-nominated documentary 'Mr. Nobody Against Putin', which follows Russian teacher Pavel Tolankin as he exposes state propaganda in schools.
What Happened
The episode covers the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, noting the significant casualties on both sides. It highlights Russia's crackdown on dissenters, including those opposed to the war. The focus then shifts to the documentary 'Mr. Nobody Against Putin', which tells the story of Pavel Tolankin, a teacher who became a whistleblower against Putin's propaganda machine.
Pavel, also known as Pasha, was initially part of the system, recording school events that promoted pro-war messages. His transformation began when he realized the extent of propaganda being fed to students. Despite the risks, he began documenting the indoctrination process and eventually collaborated with filmmaker David Borenstein.
David Borenstein explains how Pasha responded to a casting call meant for positive stories about Russia's 'special military operation.' Instead, Pasha expressed his guilt over his role in spreading propaganda, leading to the film's creation. The documentary showcases Pasha's resistance efforts and the challenges he faced.
Pasha reveals his motivation to ensure that people, especially within Russia, understand what's happening in schools. He describes the pressure teachers faced to comply with government directives and the impact on students' education and futures as many were sent to war.
The episode also discusses the logistics and risks involved in producing the documentary. Pasha had to flee Russia to continue his work safely, smuggling footage across borders to avoid arrest under new treason laws.
Both Pasha and David highlight the psychological impact of propaganda, which often leads to cynicism rather than belief in the state's messages. They underscore the importance of resistance, even from one individual, in challenging authoritarian regimes.
The conversation touches on a recent controversy involving the BAFTA awards, where political speeches, including those related to resistance and political statements, were edited out of broadcasts, reflecting a media environment where political documentaries face challenges in gaining visibility.
Key Insights
- Pavel Tolankin, a Russian teacher, risked his safety to document the indoctrination of students with pro-war propaganda, showing that even insiders of a system can become its whistleblowers if their conscience overtakes their fear.
- The psychological impact of state propaganda in Russia often leads to cynicism rather than belief, suggesting that the constant barrage of manipulated narratives can erode trust rather than build it.
- Pasha's response to a casting call for positive stories about Russia's military operation turned into a confession of guilt, leading to the creation of a documentary that exposed the propaganda machine rather than supporting it.
- Political speeches, including those advocating resistance, were controversially edited out of BAFTA award broadcasts, revealing the challenges political documentaries face in gaining visibility in a controlled media landscape.
Key Questions Answered
What is 'Mr. Nobody Against Putin' about on Democracy Now?
The documentary 'Mr. Nobody Against Putin' follows Pavel Tolankin, a Russian teacher and whistleblower, as he exposes the state's propaganda in schools and his personal resistance against Putin's regime.
How did Pavel Tolankin become involved in making a documentary?
Pavel Tolankin responded to a casting call intended for positive stories about Russia's military operation. Instead, he expressed his guilt over spreading propaganda, leading to a collaboration with filmmaker David Borenstein to create the documentary.
What was the controversy at the BAFTA awards mentioned on Democracy Now?
During the BAFTA awards, political speeches, including those advocating resistance and political statements, were edited out of broadcasts, highlighting the challenges political documentaries face in gaining visibility.