Danish–Czech film Mr Nobody Against Putin banned in Russia

Russia has placed Pavel Talankin, the author of the documentary Mr Nobody Against Putin, on its list of foreign agents. The Ministry of Justice designates individuals as foreign agents on the grounds of alleged anti-Russian activities supported from abroad. Talankin’s name was added to the list on Friday.

The documentary, a Danish–Czech co-production co-directed by Pavel Talankin and David Borenstein, is based on two years of covert filming at a school in the Chelyabinsk region where Talankin worked. The film shows how pupils were exposed to pro-war messaging.

The project has also sparked controversy among critics of the Russian government, as the filmmaker recorded colleagues and children without their consent.

Talankin, who left Russia in 2024, has defended the film as a document for future generations. He says it captures how the behaviour of the younger generation is changing. In accepting the Oscar for the documentary, he called for an end to war.

Being designated a foreign agent in Russia entails strict administrative obligations, including the labelling of all public appearances. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier that he had not seen the film and could not comment.

(reuters, max)