Teacher in Russia records propagation of ideologies to youth
In a groundbreaking documentary, "Mr. Nobody Against Putin," US-Danish filmmaker David Borenstein uncovers the hidden side of propaganda in Russia, where even small children are targeted. The film, premiered at the Sundance Festival in the USA in January, provides a chilling depiction of Russia's interest in the indoctrination of schoolchildren during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Pavel Talankin, a Russian teacher and videographer, secretly recorded the propaganda efforts and militarization of his students in a small industrial town in Russia for two years. The footage shows children learning to march in unison, a grenade-throwing competition, and lessons where Ukrainians are called Nazis. During a visit by Wagner mercenaries, the children were given explanations of different types of weapons and military survival tips.
The documentary highlights how Russian schools are used to spread false information about the war in Ukraine, portraying it as a defensive action by Russia. Guest speakers, including Wagner mercenaries, are brought into classrooms to promote a martial and nationalistic agenda. Schools are transformed into recruitment centers for the war effort, with students being encouraged to support and participate in military activities.
Pavel Talankin risked his safety by documenting these activities secretly. As other activists were imprisoned under new laws, his own safety became increasingly precarious, leading to his eventual departure from Russia. Talankin, who left his homeland, his mother, and siblings and moved to Prague with seven hard drives containing hours of footage, does not regret his action and would do it again.
"Mr. Nobody Against Putin" serves as a powerful exposé of the Russian government's propaganda efforts, revealing the manipulation of information and the militarization of the education system. The film has received international attention, with screenings at festivals like the Sheffield Documentary Festival and the SLO Film Fest. It has been praised for its daring and insightful portrayal of life under Putin's regime.
The film also highlights the human cost of war and propaganda, including the emotional toll on students and teachers who are caught in the middle of ideological conflicts. Secret audio from the funeral of a former student killed in Ukraine adds a poignant and personal touch to the narrative. A Czech man who saw the film changed his opinion about Russians, saying "We had no idea what they were doing to you."
Director Borenstein was relieved that the premiere of the film was well received by the critics. Alexandra Fechner is distributing the documentary film in France. The film premiered at the Sundance Festival in the USA in January, with Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned in the film, stating "Not commanders win wars, but teachers." The material was processed into a documentary film titled "Mr. Nobody against Putin."
One comical moment in the film shows a history teacher telling children that Europeans will soon no longer be able to buy gas, and they will ride horses like the three musketeers. Despite these attempts to normalize war and propaganda, the film underscores the urgent need for transparency and truth in education systems worldwide.
- Despite the political environment in Russia, as depicted in the documentary "Mr. Nobody Against Putin," it appears that schools are extensively used to propagate false information about the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, promoting a militaristic and nationalistic agenda that extends beyond employment policy to community policy.
- The employment policy within certain Russian schools, as illustrated in the film, reveals a concerning indoctrination process that transforms learning institutions into recruitment centers, with students encouraged to participate in military activities. This practice, in turn, highlights the significant role politics plays in general-news reporting, particularly when it comes to the war in Ukraine.
