Director David Borenstein’s latest documentary “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” is nominated for Best Documentary Feature in the 2026 Academy Awards. It follows a Russian teacher as he secretly documents his school becoming a war recruitment center during the Ukraine invasion. In his conversation with Tiller, David discussed the myth of the auteur director (3:00), adjusting his initial vision for the film (9:00), constructing the film with the teacher’s voice-over (17:00), the drama of the opening scene (24:00), and the broader context this film touches on (32:30).

Produced by: Jacob Miller

Executive Producer: Tiller Russell

Music by: James Carroll, Graham Tracey & Zydepunk

Distributed by: Jake Brennan & Brady Sadler, Double Elvis Productions