"Mr. nobody against Putin" screened in Chișinău: "It's shocking to see children handling weapons"
The documentary "Mr. nobody against Putin", created by Russian teacher Pavel Talankin, was screened in Chișinău. The audience applauded the educator for several minutes after he shared a detailed account of the propaganda and intensive militarization that spread through Russian schools following the outbreak of the war.
The film "Mr nobody against Putin" offers a powerful first-hand account of a teacher from a small town in Russia's Ural region who quietly resisted the Kremlin's war against Ukraine.
Pavel Talankin documented how students were exposed to pro war indoctrination in Russian schools. Audiences in Chișinău had the opportunity to meet him during the screening.
"Watch this film. Perhaps viewers will ask themselves questions and better understand how this system works and what Russian society may look like in 10 to 15 years, when these students graduate. The consequences of introducing Putin's propaganda into schools will not appear immediately. In general, education is not a field where you do something and see instant results," the teacher said in Chișinău.
Audience members in Chișinău said the documentary confirmed what they had already suspected.
"I have free access to the internet, so I understood that such things were happening there. For me, the film provided clear confirmation from someone who witnessed those events firsthand," one man said.
Another viewer stressed that war affects far more countries than those directly involved in the conflict.
"What affected me most was seeing the emotional impact on children at school and how quickly their views changed after what happened in Russia. I was left with a heavy heart for these children, whose lives have been shaped by forces that should not influence them," she said.
A spectator from the United Kingdom said the film deeply moved him.
"It's disturbing, especially when you see the militarization of children. It's very sad to watch children handling weapons and glorifying war. It's deeply upsetting," he noted.
Talankin spent two years recording propaganda footage in Russian schools and shared the material with director David Borenstein before leaving Russia in 2024. Mr. nobody against Putin presents an extensive investigation supported by powerful firsthand testimony.
"I think it is important everywhere in the world, including here, to reflect on how essential it is what we teach our children, whether at home or at school. That includes history, our origins, who did what and when, and who is shaping events today. These issues matter greatly," said the European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Iwona Piorko.
The Oscar-winning documentary will be screened throughout the month at Odeon Cinema with support from the European Union and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in the Republic of Moldova. Admission is free.
