How to watch Mr Nobody Against Putin – is it streaming?

All of the documentaries nominated for this year's Oscar for best documentary would have been worthy winners.

Each film told extraordinary and powerful stories that leveraged the power of cinema to shine a light on war, injustice and oppression around the world. It’s knowing this that makes the winning film, Mr Nobody Against Putin, all the more remarkable.

The documentary tells the story of a Russian teacher who documents how his school is used to spread propaganda supporting the invasion of Ukraine.

Filmed and produced secretly, the film offers an unprecedented look at the Russian propaganda machine and extraordinary risk of speaking out against President Vladimir Putin and the ongoing war.

With that in mind, you’re probably wondering how you can watch the film – read on for everything you need to know.

How to watch Mr Nobody Against Putin - is it streaming?

Yes, Mr Nobody Against Putin is available for streaming at home via BBC iPlayer.

Currently, the documentary isn’t available anywhere else, although in some rare cases Oscar winners get short theatrical re-releases following their wins, so there may still be hope to catch the film on the big screen.

What is Mr Nobody Against Putin about?

Mr Nobody Against Putin documents the story of how a Russian school changes over time as teachers are forced to hold “patriotic displays” and use an altered curriculum provided by the Russian government to justify the invasion of Ukraine.

Filmed by events coordinator Pavel “Pasha” Talankin at Karabash Primary School #1 over two years, the documentary shows the many ways propaganda and war have slowly become part of daily life in Russia.

Talankin was able to film the footage without attracting attention thanks to the requirement that teachers film and upload evidence of the “patriotic displays” to prove they were complying with the Russian government. He then made contact with American producer David Borenstein to craft the film using the hours of footage he had gathered.

The film has received positive reviews alongside numerous accolades since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2025, culminating in its win at the Oscars.

Where is Pavel Talankin now?

As the production of the film continued, life for Talankin in Russia became more and more difficult.

According to an article by Jordan Crucchiola for the Sundance Institute, “as the situation became more dangerous for Talankin – who kept a pro-peace flag on the wall of his office at work – the film team started working on a plan to get him out of Russia and seek asylum in a European country”.

Talankin eventually escaped Russia but, as the article highlights, he will never be able to return home to his friends or family until there is “wholesale regime change”.

New Russian laws put in place since the invasion of Ukraine, including the traitor law that would have seen Talankin given a life sentence in prison for his involvement in the film, have further curbed the freedoms of Russian people, making documentaries like Mr Nobody Against Putin even more important.

Mr Nobody Against Putin trailer

Watch the trailer for the film below, which previews the powerful story told by the documentary:

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