Feb 23 • 11:57 UTC 🇷🇺 Russia The Moscow Times

‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ Wins BAFTA for Best Documentary

A documentary on the indoctrination of Russian children into state ideology won the BAFTA for Best Documentary.

The documentary "Mr. Nobody Against Putin," which highlights the indoctrination of children in Russian schools following the invasion of Ukraine, won the Best Documentary award at the British Academy Film Awards. The film is composed of secret footage collected by co-director Pavel Talankin, who previously worked as a school videographer, alongside American filmmaker David Borenstein. It showcases the transformation of Russian schools into instruments of state propaganda, emphasizing the militarization of youth programs and the increasing pressure on educators to align with the Kremlin's agenda.

Talankin, who coordinated school events in the Chelyabinsk region, left Russia in 2024 and now resides in the Czech Republic. His departure was prompted by the oppressive environment that he documented in the film. Borenstein, while accepting the BAFTA award, expressed gratitude towards Talankin for his moral courage and the importance of shedding light on dark truths in society, stating that more individuals like Talankin are needed.

The recognition of "Mr. Nobody Against Putin" at such a prestigious international event underscores the growing concern over the use of educational institutions for propagandistic purposes in Russia. This documentary not only exposes the current state of Russian education but also serves as a poignant reminder of the broader implications of state control over the youth and the challenges faced by dissenters in contemporary Russia.

📡 Similar Coverage