In 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, the government of Vladimir Putin instructed schools to intensify patriotism and justify the attack to students. To ensure compliance, authorities required video evidence showing that these guidelines were being followed.

Pavel Talankin, a teacher from Karabash, spent two years filming his activities at school, documenting how the institution gradually transformed into a machine of propaganda and recruitment for the Russian army.

In 2024, he left Russia with the help of the documentary’s production team, which he co-directed with David Borenstein. Mr. Nobody Against Putin went on to win the Oscar for Best Documentary at the 2026 ceremony.