Pavel “Pasha” (33) is a teacher and event organizer at a small primary school in a Russian town with a population of 10,000. In ordinary times, he is a beloved mentor, prankster, and nonconformist, known for hanging up democracy posters and offering a safe haven in his office for students who feel out of place.

However, after the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Pasha took on the role of an international whistleblower, exposing the devastating effects of Russia’s aggressive militarization within its own schools. Haunted by his painful years as a student at the same school, Pasha remains a lighthearted and mischievous presence on campus. Yet his mission as a teacher is challenged when a new patriotic education policy is introduced during the early weeks of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Pasha is shocked to learn that his responsibilities now include facilitating daily state-sanctioned propaganda events. To cope with his guilt and feelings of powerlessness, he decides to document how the war is transforming his school. Under the guise of his actual role as the school’s videographer, he records hundreds of hours of footage inside classrooms and on school grounds.

What emerges is the story of an institution abruptly transformed: propaganda, repressive new laws, militarized children’s organizations, and the eventual recruitment of graduating students to fight in Ukraine. Pasha reaches his emotional breaking point as he films farewell parties for cherished students being sent to the frontlines in Ukraine. As the body bags return, Pasha and the rest of the school community grapple with the twin traumas of violence and repression. When Pasha learns his own life may be in danger, he is forced to plan a daring escape from Russia.

MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN is Denmark’s official submission for ‘Best International Feature Film’ category of the 98th Academy Awards in 2026, and is currently nominated for an Oscar in the Best Documentary Feature category.

“A touching, intimate chronicle.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

“An endearing, infuriating, and despairing non-fiction portrait of a country’s final descent into oppressive authoritarianism, all of it shot covertly by one brave teacher, it’s a striking work of rebel cinema.” (The Daily Beast)

“An exemplary work of cinematic modernism, a reflexive film that turns its genesis into its subject and its moral essence.” (The New Yorker)

“His principled resistance by filming, joking and refusing to teach lies makes for a riveting, courageous portrait of dissent in a place where truth can land you in jail — or a cemetery.” (Toronto Star)

Wednesday, February 25
Doors 6:15 pm | Movie 6:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN (David Borenstein & Pavel Talankin, 2025  / 90 mins / NR / Russian w.EST) A Russian teacher secretly documents his small town school’s transformation into a war recruitment center during the Ukraine invasion, revealing the ethical dilemmas educators face amid propaganda and militarization.

*Must be 18+ for entry. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds, exchanges or transfers.