Story perspectives

Exiled Filmmaker Exposes Russian Indoctrination in Oscar-Nominated Documentary

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pasha Talankin, a former Russian school videographer, documented students' indoctrination under a 'patriotic curriculum' after Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
His footage formed the basis of the Oscar-nominated documentary Mr. Nobody Against Putin.
Talankin faced risks, including possible imprisonment, for his acts of rebellion.
He left Russia in 2024 and accepted the Academy Award, stressing propaganda's impact.
The Kremlin said it had not seen the film and could not comment.

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Story summary

Pasha Talankin, a former Russian school videographer, documented students' indoctrination under a 'patriotic curriculum' after Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
His footage formed the basis of the Oscar-nominated documentary Mr. Nobody Against Putin.
Talankin faced risks, including possible imprisonment, for his acts of rebellion.
He left Russia in 2024 and accepted the Academy Award, stressing propaganda's impact.
The Kremlin said it had not seen the film and could not comment.