Pavel Talankin, a teacher from Karabash, Russia, has unveiled a stark portrayal of the Kremlin's efforts to engrain ultra-nationalist views among Russian youth through his documentary, "Mr Nobody Against Putin." This film, which highlights the militarization of Russian schools and the profound impact of President Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine on Russian children, premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. It garnered significant recognition, winning the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award.
Talankin's project began as an independent endeavor aimed at capturing the implementation of a new Kremlin directive in his school. This directive sought to prepare students for military service and instill ultra-nationalist ideologies. The documentary, co-directed with US filmmaker David Borenstein, provides a nuanced depiction of how these militaristic practices infiltrate the daily lives of students in Russia.
The documentary captures chilling scenes from Talankin's school, where students are compelled to march with the Russian flag, study newly printed history books justifying Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and participate in grenade-throwing competitions. Talankin explains that his school received explicit instructions to document these activities, which were part of a broader effort by the Russian government to mold a new generation willing to dedicate their lives to military service.
“The Russian ministry of education would send extremely detailed orders that certain lessons had to be filmed, and I would go and film.” – Pavel Talankin
Despite the risks involved, Talankin embarked on this secret mission to reveal the truth behind the Kremlin's directive. His anti-war stance attracted threats and intimidation from various quarters. He recalls receiving long voicemails labeling him a "scumbag" and a "traitor to the Motherland." By summer 2024, Talankin felt increasingly vulnerable, with a police presence outside his home and his dissenting views becoming more conspicuous in Karabash.
“Any journalist trying to film what was going on in schools would be immediately jailed. I was put in this unique situation,” – Pavel Talankin
Many teachers in Karabash shared Talankin's reluctance to implement the Kremlin's orders but felt trapped by their circumstances. They aspired to educate children but found themselves compelled to propagate state-sponsored propaganda.
“People study to become teachers and dream of educating children, then find themselves forced to spread propaganda.” – Pavel Talankin
The Russian government's substantial investment in this campaign seeks to transform educational institutions into instruments of militarization. The indoctrination of Russian teens has been described as one of the areas where the state comes closest to totalitarianism.
“Schools are one of the main places where they spread propaganda,” – Pavel Talankin
Through his documentary, Talankin aims to reach audiences across Russia, not just in Karabash, to expose the extent of this ideological indoctrination. His footage includes recordings of children being subjected to ultra-nationalist views and militaristic ideologies. Talankin firmly believes that this represents a form of "ideological indoctrination" that poses long-term consequences.
“For younger children, everything their teacher says is taken as truth. The long-term impact of the military propaganda will be felt.” – Pavel Talankin