A NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN

Pawel Talankin lives in Karabash, according to UNESCO, "the most toxic place in the world." He works as a teacher and video chronicler at the local school – he is loved by his students for his open, trustworthy, and humorous nature. With the start of the Russian war of aggression, however, everything changes. The school becomes a stage for state propaganda.

Instead of going to class as usual, the students primarily have to march in uniform, sing anthems, and practice with weapons. And Pasha's assignment as a videographer is to document all the events and spread officially approved messages. Horrified by the changes at his school, he struggles with feelings of guilt and helplessness, filming much more than he is supposed to. With dry humor, he comments on the absurdity. But behind the sarcasm, fear grows. Until he receives an unusual message from a foreign filmmaker. In the summer of 2024, Pasha flees—with explosive footage in his luggage.

The documentary film, which won an Oscar in 2026, is a haunting portrait of a society staging itself as theater of war.

Awards

Academy Awards – Best Documentary Feature

Sundance Festival – Special Jury Prize

BAFTA Award for Best Documentary

Film Discussion

Following that, there will be a panel discussion with the exiled Russian journalist Masha Borzunova and the protagonist and director Pavel Talakin.

Image stills (top): ©František Svatoš

Portrait photo (bottom): ©Helle Moos