Mr. Nobody Against Putin

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” showing April 24-29 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon and Mary D. Fisher Theatres.

“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and was the winner of the Audience Choice Award for Best International Documentary at the recent Sedona International Film Festival.

Pasha Talankin is an unlikely hero — a beloved Russian primary school teacher, known as a mentor and prankster who offers students a safe haven in his office. After Russia invades Ukraine, Pasha’s role in the school changes dramatically as he is reluctantly drawn into Putin’s propaganda machine.

Forced to promote state-sanctioned messages and horrified by the transformation of his school and community, he struggles with guilt and a sense of powerlessness, leading him to become an international whistleblower.

As the school’s videographer, Pasha documents intimate and revealing footage of Putin’s regime, capturing the rise of militarized children’s groups, repressive laws, fervent nationalism, and the recruitment of graduating students to fight in the war. When he learns his own life may be at risk, Pasha is forced to plan a dangerous escape from Russia.

Directed by David Borenstein and Pasha Talankin, this uniquely collaborative film is as captivating and joyful as it is eye-opening and sobering. “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” showcases rare footage that reveals the profound impact of Putin’s regime on the lives of everyday Russians, particularly its children.

“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” will be shown at the Alice Gill-Sheldon and Mary D. Fisher Theatres April 24-29. Showtimes will be Friday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m.; Sunday and Tuesday, April 26 and 28 at 7:00 p.m.; Monday, April 27 at 3:00 p.m.; and Wednesday, April 29 at 4:00 p.m.

Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona.