Documentary 'Mr. Nobody Against Putin' Reveals School Propaganda in Russia

A new documentary titled *Mr. Nobody Against Putin*, directed by David Borenstein, provides a harrowing look into the propaganda embedded within the Russian educational system. Premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award, the film is based on two years of footage captured by Pavel Talankin, a high school events coordinator and videographer in Karabash, a city heavily affected by pollution in central southern Russia.

Since Russia's military escalation in Ukraine in February 2022, there has been a marked increase in ultra-nationalist and pro-war propaganda within schools, as highlighted by Talankin's observations. He argues that the current educational approach represents a significant moral failure, mirroring historical concerns raised by American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr regarding the duality of education as both a propaganda tool and a means for emancipation.

According to Dr. Colin Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Political Communications at Nottingham Trent University, the documentary underscores an alarming trend where dominant groups exploit educational narratives to reinforce conformity and nationalistic fervor. He states, 'The film illustrates how ideological indoctrination is achieved through a distorted representation of historical facts, targeting the impressionable minds of children.'

The documentary reveals how Russian history is being rewritten to support the Kremlin's narrative. Talankin's footage shows students reciting scripted responses during lessons that emphasize a negative portrayal of Western nations, specifically framing Ukraine as a country overrun by neo-Nazis. This atmosphere of indoctrination is further exemplified by the increasing presence of Russian flags in schools and a structured pledge of allegiance by students during assemblies.

In a critical analysis of propaganda, Garth Jowett and Victoria O'Donnell, authors of *Propaganda & Persuasion*, stress that effective propaganda often operates unconsciously within society, making it challenging for students and educators to recognize its influence. They note, 'The environment in which propaganda flourishes depends on who receives public attention and who is marginalized.'

The documentary captures the dichotomy within the school environment: while some teachers and students express skepticism towards the propaganda, they often feel pressured to conform due to fears regarding their employment and social standing. Talankin's interactions with colleagues reveal a troubling acceptance of these narratives, despite an underlying awareness of their inaccuracy.

The film poignantly portrays the emotional toll of the ongoing war, culminating in a heart-wrenching scene where Talankin shares an audio recording of a local mother's grief at her son's funeral after he was killed in Ukraine. This moment serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of propaganda and the conflict it perpetuates.

Historically, similar dynamics were observed during the decline of the Soviet Union, where the populace became increasingly disillusioned with state propaganda. As Dr. Alexander notes, 'The failure to provide a credible alternative to the narratives being propagated leaves the public in a state of compliance, regardless of their private dissent.'

*Mr. Nobody Against Putin* thus serves as a critical commentary on the current state of education in Russia, raising important questions about the future of its youth and the role of propaganda in shaping national identity. As the film illustrates, the stakes of this ideological battle extend beyond the classroom, impacting the broader societal fabric and the collective consciousness of the nation.

In conclusion, the documentary not only highlights the pervasive influence of state propaganda in Russian schools but also calls for international awareness and action against the manipulation of educational spaces for ideological purposes. The implications of such practices are profound, as they threaten the intellectual and moral development of future generations in Russia.