Pavel Talankin, a 35-year-old Russian filmmaker, is now living in exile in Prague after winning an Oscar for Best Documentary for his film Mr Nobody contre Poutine. The film focuses on the recruitment of young people at a school in the Urals, a region in Russia known for its industrial and military significance. The film has drawn strong criticism from the Russian government, which has accused Talankin of being an "agent of a foreign state." As a result, the film is no longer accessible in Russia, having been removed from all streaming platforms by order of the country’s justice system. Talankin now lives under constant surveillance and has received numerous threats from individuals in Russia. His close friends and family have warned him to be careful about his daily routines, including what he eats, where he goes, and the people he interacts with. Since March of this year, he has received hundreds of death threats on his social media accounts, including messages from someone who claims they will find and kill him—either by throwing him from a building or drowning him. Despite the danger, Talankin has not regretted making the film and continues to speak out about the issues he uncovered. In Russia, Talankin has been the subject of media attention, including an interview with his former teacher on state television. During the interview, the teacher expressed disappointment in his decision to leave the country. However, Talankin does not see himself as a traitor. Some Russian viewers have supported him, including a father who thanked him for showing the truth to his children. While living in Prague, Talankin is learning English, attending conferences, and staying in touch with his family in Russia using a virtual private network (VPN), which helps protect his online privacy and security. Talankin’s production company continues to provide him with financial support, and he is considering other career options if necessary. Recently, he was denied a visa to Turkey, which prevented him from visiting his mother, whom he has not seen since leaving Russia in the summer of 2024. He has stated that he does not plan to return to Russia as long as Vladimir Putin remains in power.