Mr. Nobody Against Putin

 "Mr. Nobody Against Putin" (2025) won the Oscar for best documentary feature.  Admittedly it was done without permission of most of the subjects or of government authorities.  Although much was done openly, it was essentially an undercover procedure as it revealed truth against power.

Pavel  Talankin among other things was a school videographer in the city of Karabash, Russia (noted for its pollution) and for awhile it provides a cover for his anti war views, but he learns he has to be cautious, most of the staff knows his anti-war attitude.  Part of his job was teaching students video production skills including editing.

Putin is quoted a few times saying "War is not won by commanders.  War is won by teachers."  After Russia invaded Ukraine there is a marked increase in propaganda  coming from education authorities and passed down through the teachers.  Marching drills become part of the curriculum.  Marksmanship is practiced and at one point it is noted that grades declined and the teachers realized nothing could be done about the military training.

One example of the propaganda was Putin pointing out that Kyiv was one of the key counter forces against the Nazis when they attacked Russia.  Some members of the Wagner group attended the to lecture students.

Students and staff have brothers, fathers, husbands and sons involved.  We learn the desperation of at least one relative who wanted to get out of the military and subsequently died.  The deaths are noted by relatives, but kept quiet from the general public.  Pavel was not allowed to videotape a funeral, but provided us with some audio coverage.  

The fact that you are able to view this film indicates Pavel is no longer in Russia.  

This information was difficult to be revealed and to be organized to a credible production.  Here are some of the key people.

Without Pavel Tarankin, there would be no film.  He grew up and worked in Karabash, Russia.  After his escape he worked with Danish and Czech experts to put it together.  He served as co-director and cinematographer.  When he had to show the Oscar trophy to airport authorities he was told it could be a weapon.  When he reached his German transit point, the Oscar had disappeared.  Fortunately it has been recovered.

David Borenstein was the producer, director and writer.  When Pavel reached out regarding his efforts he made contact with David who encouraged him to stay a little longer.  David had been a graduate from the University of Florida with degrees in Chinese and political science.  He then spent 10 years in China working on a film project.  He had started in radio broadcasting.  He has 6 producing credits, 6 for directing and 4 for writing including episodes for Nova.  During his Oscar acceptance speech he made some anti Trump remarks.

The music was shared.  Jonas Struck has been guitarist and songwriter with the Danish rock band, Swan Lee.  He has 41 composing credits, 15 for the music department and 12 for soundtrack.  Michal Rataj was a Czech composer and sound designer with 26 composing credits and 2 for the music department.

Editing was also shared.   Rebekka Lonqvist has 29 editor credits, 6 for the camera and electrical department and 4 for the editorial department.  Nicolaj Monberg has 48 editor credits, 17 for the editorial department and 2 for directing including "Borgen". See   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/07/borgen.html

I watched it on a DVD, but believe there must be other ways you can check this one out.  My version was subtitled. You may get a more accurate view of Russian leadership regarding the illegal invasion of Ukraine.