Outside the Box [Office] and Kino Lorber invite you and a guest to attend

A Special For Your Consideration Screening of

MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN

WINNER: World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award
2025 Sundance Film Festival

NOMINATED FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
AT THE 98TH ACADEMY AWARDS

Directed by David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin
Produced by Helle Faber, p.g.a., Radovan Síbrt, p.g.a.,
and Alžběta Karásková, p.g.a.

Followed by a Q&A with David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin

2:00 P.M. on Friday, February 27th, 2026

The Michelle & Kevin Douglas IMAX Theater, RZC 119
@ The Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts (RZC)
3131 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007

FREE ADMISSION. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVPs REQUIRED.
RSVPs ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE.

FOOD AND DRINKS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE AUDITORIUM.
 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP
 

About Mr. Nobody Against Putin

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.

Provided courtesy of Kino Lorber. Running time: 90 minutes. In Russian with English subtitles.

About the Guests

DAVID BORENSTEIN, Director

David Borenstein is a filmmaker based in Copenhagen. His award-winning films include Can’t Feel Nothing (CPH: DOX 2024), Love Factory (NYTimes 2021), and Dream Empire (IDFA 2016). In addition to his feature work, David has produced and directed television for countless international broadcasters, earning him the broadcast equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize.

Filmography:
Can't Feel Nothing (CPH:DOX 2024)
Love Factory (NYTimes OpDoc 2022)
Race for the Vaccine (CNN Films 2021)
Decoding Covid-19 (PBS 2020)
Dream Empire (IDFA 2016)
Rent-A-Foreigner in China (NYTimes OpDoc 2015)

PAVEL "PASHA" TALANKIN, Director

Until recently, Pavel Talankin was a teacher-organizer at Karabash Primary School #1 in Karabash, Russia. As part of his job, he served as school videographer and instructed children in shooting and editing video. Mr. Nobody Against Putin is his first film. He now lives in Europe.

About Outside the Box [Office]

Outside the Box [Office] is a weekly showcase for upcoming releases highlighting world cinema, documentary and independent film titles. The series draws from around the globe to present movies that may challenge, inspire or simply entertain.

To view the calendar of screenings, click here

To SUBSCRIBE to our MAILING LIST for upcoming free screenings and events, e-mail the word "Subscribe" to: aago@cinema.usc.edu
 

Check-In & Reservations

The USC School of Cinematic Arts operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

This screening is free of charge and open to the public. A reservation confirmation will automatically be sent to your e-mail account upon successfully making an RSVP through this website. Doors will open at 1:30 P.M.

All SCA screenings are OVERBOOKED to ensure seating capacity in the theater, therefore seating is not guaranteed based on RSVPs. The RSVP list will be checked in on a first-come, first-served basis until the theater is full. Once the theater has reached capacity, we will no longer be able to admit guests, regardless of RSVP status.

Accessibility Needs

Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Alessandro Ago, Assistant Dean, Programming and Special Events, at aago@cinema.usc.edu or 213-740-2330. It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least seven days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

Parking

NO STUDENT, STAFF, FACULTY OR THEATER PARKING IS AVAILABLE AT THE ROBERT ZEMECKIS CENTER.

We recommend Parking in the USC Shrine Parking Structure, located 686 W 32nd St. Parking passes may be purchased at the gate. Metered street parking is also available along 32nd street.

The USC Robert Zemeckis Center is located at 3131 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90007, one block north of Parking Structure D, on the North side of the Shrine Auditorium. The RZC entrance is located at the rear of the building, behind the red fence on 32nd St.

Contact Information

Name: Alessandro Ago
Email: aago@cinema.usc.edu