Denmark has selected David Borenstein's documentary 'Mr. Nobody Against Putin' as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2026. The film confronts the pervasive issue of state-sponsored propaganda, a subject that has earned it significant international attention.
Previously, the documentary received the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. It chronicles the efforts of a Russian teacher, Pavel Talankin, who secretly documents how Kremlin propaganda is integrated into classroom teachings to indoctrinate students for the conflict in Ukraine. Talankin's covert filming within educational settings exposes the extent to which schools are used to disseminate misinformation and nationalist ideologies.
The documentary highlights the risks undertaken by individuals like Talankin to expose such truths, often by filming under the guise of school events. Russia's utilization of its educational system to advance its political agenda has been a growing concern, with reports detailing the implementation of "patriotic lessons" and state-approved curricula designed to legitimize the war in Ukraine. These initiatives aim to cultivate unwavering patriotism and prepare young individuals for potential military service.
'Mr. Nobody Against Putin' delves into the ethical quandaries faced by educators and the personal sacrifices involved in resisting a widespread propaganda apparatus. Denmark's choice is particularly significant given its strong history in the Best International Feature Film category, having won the award four times previously.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce its shortlist of fifteen films in December 2025, followed by the final nominations in January 2026. The film's critical success at Sundance, including its Special Jury Award, suggests a strong potential to appeal to Academy voters. Through its undercover footage and focus on the human impact of confronting state propaganda, the documentary offers a compelling and relevant perspective on current global challenges, underscoring Denmark's commitment to supporting films that address critical societal issues and promote reflection on information manipulation.