A Russian court has prohibited the documentary film “Mr Nobody Against Putin” from being shown on three streaming platforms. The decision cites the film’s alleged propagation of extremism and terrorism as the basis for the ban.
This feature film, which received an Oscar award earlier this month, chronicles the intensification of war propaganda within a Russian school following the nation’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The documentary’s foundation lies in footage gathered by Pavel Talankin. Talankin, who previously worked as a school events coordinator, has since left Russia.
According to Russian media reports, prosecutors contended that the documentary conveyed a “negative attitude towards the [war in Ukraine] and the current government.”
The deputy prosecutor reportedly added that the film displayed the flag of a “terrorist organisation.” This reference was understood to be to the white-blue-white flag, a symbol adopted by anti-war protestors.
The ruling originated from a court in the city of Chelyabinsk. This location is situated not far from Karabash, the town where Talankin’s school is located. The court’s directive mandates the removal of the film from three online video platforms.
In early March, a Russian governmental body tasked with human rights oversight criticized the documentary. It raised concerns about the use of children’s footage, asserting it was obtained without parental consent. The body also indicated its intention to petition the Academy, which bestows the Oscars, to initiate an investigation into the matter.
“Mr Nobody Against Putin” details the indoctrination of Russian schoolchildren, a process reportedly directed by the Kremlin. This includes educational sessions on the necessity of “denazifying” Ukraine, presentations by military veterans, and instruction on identifying mines and handling firearms.
The film also presents accounts of Talankin’s former students enlisting in the military and subsequently dying in Ukraine. It further incorporates footage of Talankin’s own acts of opposition.
During his Oscar acceptance speech, Talankin remarked, “For four years we have looked at the sky for shooting stars to make a very important wish… But there are countries where, instead of shooting stars, bombs fall from the sky and drones fly.” He concluded his speech with a plea: “For the sake of our future, and for the sake of all our children, let’s end all wars.”
Since the commencement of Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has intensified its efforts to suppress dissenting voices. Any public display of opposition to the conflict can result in lengthy prison sentences.
The documentary, a production involving both Danish and Czech collaboration, secured the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. Earlier in 2026, it also received the Bafta award for Best Documentary.
Following the film’s Oscar win, the Kremlin has largely avoided direct commentary on the documentary.
“I did not watch this film,” stated Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, when addressing reporters.
During a meeting with culture council representatives on Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin commented on the current state of film exhibition in Russia. He noted that Russian cinemas were screening “stupid and unnecessary” foreign films, while domestic producers were not receiving adequate support.