Araluen Arts Centre: 
MASIFF | Mr Nobody Against Putin
Winner of the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
Pasha Talankin is a beloved, popular primary school teacher in the small Russian town of Karabash. When Russia invades Ukraine, his life takes a dangerous turn. Suddenly responsible for promoting state propaganda at his school, Pasha begins secretly filming how the regime infiltrates everyday life: the rise of nationalism, militarised youth groups, and the recruitment of students for war.
As his recordings pile up and the danger intensifies, Pasha transforms from teacher into international whistleblower, risking everything to expose the system and planning his own escape. Co-directed with filmmaker David Borenstein, this Sundance prize-winning documentary is a gripping portrait of resistance, revealing the human cost of Putin’s regime and the extraordinary courage it takes to defy it.
Contains strong themes and mature content.
Director: Pavel Talankin, David Borenstein | Year: 2025 | Rating: Unclassified 15+ | Runtime: 90 mins | Country: Australia | Genre: Documentary | Language: Russian with English subtitles
Accompanying Short: End Pointe
In a future ravaged by climate collapse, five women trapped in a scout hall rehearse for a ballet as simmering tensions erupt into survival struggles. They realise it’s not just the outside world they must survive, but each other.
Director: Lesley Pinder | Year: 2025 | Rating: Unclassified 15+ | Runtime: 14 mins | Country: Australia | Genre: Comedy, Dystopian | Language: English
Doors Open: 2:30 pm | Screening Starts: 3:00 pm
Gallery
MPARNTWE ALICE SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
From 9 to 19 October 2025, MASIFF will take over the Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs Desert Park and Alice Springs Cinema, delivering an unforgettable program of local, national and international cinema right here in the Red Centre.
We believe in the power of film to do more than entertain - it can inspire connection, challenge boundaries, and spark important conversations. MASIFF fosters intercultural understanding by bringing diverse communities together through shared stories and lived experiences.
At the same time, the festival shines a spotlight on regional storytelling, celebrating the creativity of Central Australian filmmakers and amplifying remote voices that deserve to be heard. By pairing local talent with films from across the globe, MASIFF creates a unique cultural exchange that honours the Red Centre and connects it to the wider world.
Produced by Red Hot Arts with the generous support of the Darwin International Film Festival (DIFF) and the Darwin Film Society.
For more infomation visit Mpartnwe Alice Springs International Film
Dates
Times
Doors Open: 2:30 pm
Screening Starts: 3:00 pm
Duration
Mr. Nobody Against Putin: 90 minutes
End Pointe: 14 minutes
Interval
None
Prices
Standard $20
Concession $15
Our concession price is for anyone who may face financial barriers to attending the arts — including concession card holders, young people, and those in insecure or low-paid work.
BLAKTIX $10
BLAKTIX are equity tickets available to all First Nations peoples. They are offered to support access and opportunity, in recognition that this event takes place on unceded Arrernte Country.
Disability Complimentary Companion Card - FREE
Companion Card holders are warmly welcomed — just bring your card along on arrival.
Festival Pass $160
For all films. That’s less than $12 each, saving you over $100 (40% off).
Genre
Location
Extra information
Accessibility
Rating
Warnings
Contains strong themes and mature content.
