A court in Russia has ordered the restriction of the Oscar-winning documentary Mr Nobody Against Putin from several streaming platforms, citing concerns over its portrayal of the government and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, March 26, in the Chelyabinsk region, marks the first known legal action aimed at limiting access to the film within Russia, where authorities have intensified efforts to control narratives surrounding the conflict.
According to reports from independent outlet Sotavision, the court determined that the documentary promotes “negative attitudes toward the current government” and alleged that it contains elements linked to “terrorism.”
The decision also referenced the film’s display of the white-blue-white flag, a symbol associated with anti-war protests and banned in Russia as extremist.
The documentary, which recently received international acclaim after winning Best Documentary at the Oscars, offers a rare inside look at pro-war messaging in Russian schools.
It is based on footage secretly recorded over two years by a school videographer in the Chelyabinsk region and later smuggled out of the country.
The film’s central figure, Pavel Talankin, fled Russia in 2024, underscoring the risks faced by individuals documenting sensitive issues within the country.
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Prior to the court’s decision, Russia’s Kremlin-appointed human rights council had raised concerns about the film, alleging that it used images of minors without parental consent.
The complaint added to growing scrutiny from authorities over the documentary’s content and distribution.
Despite the ban on selected streaming platforms, unofficial copies of the film are reportedly circulating widely online, highlighting the challenges of enforcing such restrictions in the digital age.
The move comes amid a broader crackdown on dissent in Russia following the launch of its full-scale military campaign in Ukraine.
In recent years, authorities have tightened control over media, civil society, and educational institutions, with school curricula increasingly aligned with the state’s perspective on the conflict.
Observers say the court’s ruling reflects ongoing efforts by the Kremlin to shape public opinion and limit exposure to narratives that challenge official positions.
For many, the controversy surrounding the documentary underscores the tension between artistic expression and state control in times of conflict, as well as the personal risks faced by those who seek to tell alternative stories.