1 00:00:39,100 --> 00:00:42,239 P it's time to talk about your departure. 2 00:00:46,420 --> 00:00:50,899 Before you cross the border, you must delete our secure messaging app. 3 00:00:51,060 --> 00:00:53,459 Yeah. 4 00:00:54,700 --> 00:00:59,579 You need to be very careful about how you take your footage past border control. 5 00:01:07,260 --> 00:01:09,259 Just be calm. 6 00:01:17,580 --> 00:01:22,419 You have a return ticket. They'll think you are returning in seven days. 7 00:01:24,700 --> 00:01:27,579 Just believe in yourself. 8 00:01:32,780 --> 00:01:37,659 I think what you've done Is going to make a big impact. 9 00:02:07,340 --> 00:02:10,699 [Sun up high, bright blue sky] 10 00:02:10,860 --> 00:02:14,619 [that was the little boy's picture] 11 00:02:14,780 --> 00:02:18,259 [He drew it on a piece of paper] 12 00:02:18,420 --> 00:02:21,419 [and wrote in the corner] 13 00:02:21,580 --> 00:02:25,099 [may there always be sunshine] 14 00:02:25,260 --> 00:02:28,219 [may there always be a sky] 15 00:02:30,460 --> 00:02:32,619 Hello. This is me. 16 00:02:33,740 --> 00:02:39,699 In this moment I have no idea the amount of trouble I'm about to cause for myself. 17 00:02:51,420 --> 00:02:56,139 - Good day, students. - Pasha, this is not the best time. 18 00:02:56,300 --> 00:03:02,182 I am the event coordinator at Karabash Primary School Number One. 19 00:03:05,820 --> 00:03:09,979 I am also the school videographer. 20 00:03:10,140 --> 00:03:15,379 Together with a group of students, I shoot all major events in the school. 21 00:03:17,420 --> 00:03:20,459 My place of employment is the biggest school 22 00:03:20,620 --> 00:03:23,906 In what Is a very small town. 23 00:03:24,060 --> 00:03:27,019 The population here is only 10,000. 24 00:03:29,460 --> 00:03:33,979 The town is nestled deep in the Ural mountain region. 25 00:03:42,100 --> 00:03:45,019 This is Russia's industrial heartland. 26 00:03:45,180 --> 00:03:49,019 Life here revolves around the copper smelting plant. 27 00:03:49,180 --> 00:03:55,059 In fact, we are world famous because of this plant. 28 00:03:55,220 --> 00:03:59,899 People come from everywhere to see the town 29 00:04:00,060 --> 00:04:04,979 that UNESCO once called the most toxic place on Earth. 30 00:04:05,140 --> 00:04:10,379 The most polluted town in Ural, with an average life expectancy of 38 years. 31 00:04:10,540 --> 00:04:14,939 It's so like post-apocalyptic here. There's random stinking gasses. 32 00:04:15,100 --> 00:04:19,339 It's the most depressing place I've ever been. The air... Oh, man, it stinks. 33 00:04:19,500 --> 00:04:23,819 There's a high rate of mortality from cancer, lung diseases 34 00:04:23,980 --> 00:04:26,539 and other diseases. Wow. 35 00:04:26,700 --> 00:04:29,979 Welcome to Karabash. 36 00:04:30,940 --> 00:04:35,179 That's the way the world sees my hometown. 37 00:04:35,340 --> 00:04:39,699 But the reality is that it's not so bad here. 38 00:04:40,820 --> 00:04:44,699 And as the event coordinator at the school, 39 00:04:44,860 --> 00:04:49,339 I can make sure the kids always have something to look forward to. 40 00:04:52,060 --> 00:04:54,779 There is cake for everyone. 41 00:05:00,780 --> 00:05:05,579 What I like about my job is being able to be there for my students. 42 00:05:12,660 --> 00:05:16,619 Helping them open their minds. Express themselves. 43 00:05:16,780 --> 00:05:21,459 And just giving them the space to be kids. 44 00:05:22,300 --> 00:05:26,939 [Even though it's far from great!] [But I try my best on my guitar...] 45 00:05:28,540 --> 00:05:33,139 Although sometimes I mess everything up. I hope the kids forgive me 46 00:05:33,300 --> 00:05:38,619 for not bringing an extra battery for their music video shoot. 47 00:05:45,020 --> 00:05:50,059 As a graduate of this school myself, I'm fond of this place. 48 00:05:51,260 --> 00:05:55,819 And I hope the people here like me too. 49 00:05:56,860 --> 00:06:00,059 - Do you want some cabbage soup? - No, thanks. 50 00:06:00,220 --> 00:06:02,259 Your cabbage soup Is not very good. 51 00:06:02,420 --> 00:06:06,619 The best soup ts from the "Sushi-Pizza" restaurant. 52 00:06:06,780 --> 00:06:09,819 Get out of here! You and your sushi-pizza. 53 00:06:17,020 --> 00:06:22,539 But I also have my ways of winning people over. 54 00:06:24,380 --> 00:06:27,899 Good morning. I would like some flowers. 55 00:06:35,900 --> 00:06:38,619 Hi, Miss Librarian! 56 00:06:41,500 --> 00:06:43,699 A present? I knew it! 57 00:06:43,860 --> 00:06:47,099 I brought you flowers. Happy birthday, Mum. 58 00:06:47,260 --> 00:06:52,779 This is my mum. I love her very much but I've never told her. 59 00:06:52,940 --> 00:06:56,699 Let the flowers speak for me. 60 00:06:56,860 --> 00:07:00,139 - You are filming this? - Yes. 61 00:07:10,740 --> 00:07:14,939 It was in February of 2022 62 00:07:15,100 --> 00:07:18,779 when my job was to change drastically. 63 00:07:22,700 --> 00:07:25,619 This is the news on the First Channel. 64 00:07:25,780 --> 00:07:29,779 According to Vladimir Putin, Russia will conduct a special military operation. 65 00:07:29,940 --> 00:07:32,619 With the consent of the Russian Federation Council 66 00:07:32,780 --> 00:07:36,959 and in accordance with the ratified agreement of February 22, 2022 67 00:07:37,100 --> 00:07:40,019 regarding friendship and mutual aid 68 00:07:40,300 --> 00:07:45,179 with Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic 69 00:07:45,340 --> 00:07:49,659 I decided to conduct a special military operation. 70 00:08:40,140 --> 00:08:45,339 NEW FEDERAL PATRIOTIC EDUCATION POLICY 71 00:08:51,060 --> 00:08:53,659 Hello? 72 00:08:54,460 --> 00:08:59,419 Are there special orders? I don't understand what's happening at all. 73 00:08:59,580 --> 00:09:05,779 We need to get the kids to recite some patriotic songs and speeches. 74 00:09:05,940 --> 00:09:08,659 You need to film it. 75 00:09:08,820 --> 00:09:13,019 We also need to film the children reciting poems about our victory. 76 00:09:13,180 --> 00:09:18,259 - Are we completely fucked up? - It just came from above. 77 00:09:18,520 --> 00:09:20,859 Damn. How do we actually do this? 78 00:09:21,020 --> 00:09:24,139 - No idea. - OK. 79 00:09:24,300 --> 00:09:28,219 Fuck! It hurts! OK, see you. 80 00:09:30,780 --> 00:09:32,619 Fuck! 81 00:09:33,500 --> 00:09:36,379 Present the flag. 82 00:09:46,540 --> 00:09:52,619 A new patriotic curriculum supporting the war will now be introduced in our school. 83 00:09:53,940 --> 00:09:58,219 Lessons, songs, morning drills... 84 00:09:58,380 --> 00:10:02,739 I was instructed to shoot all the events... 85 00:10:04,980 --> 00:10:08,179 Place the flag. 86 00:10:08,340 --> 00:10:18,059 ...as proof that the school is complying with government orders. 87 00:10:20,780 --> 00:10:25,139 During the first days, I darted from one classroom to the next 88 00:10:25,300 --> 00:10:28,179 recording scripted lesson after scripted lesson. 89 00:10:30,460 --> 00:10:35,419 The workload was so huge, I had to ask for assistance in filming. 90 00:10:36,540 --> 00:10:42,419 State policy in Ukraine is decided by radicals, nationalists, and... 91 00:10:43,500 --> 00:10:48,859 ...neo-Nazis. Everything that unites us is under attack. 92 00:10:49,820 --> 00:10:55,859 In February 2022, he took part in a special operation for demi... 93 00:11:00,620 --> 00:11:06,139 For demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine as a part of... 94 00:11:06,300 --> 00:11:10,379 - Let's repeat it. - Do! start from the beginning or? 95 00:11:10,540 --> 00:11:15,059 No, only from these words, starting from "he took part in"... 96 00:11:15,220 --> 00:11:21,299 In February 2022, he took part in a special operation for demilitar... 97 00:11:21,460 --> 00:11:23,739 Just say "denazification". 98 00:11:23,900 --> 00:11:29,019 Some were struggling with the new words of the curriculum. 99 00:11:30,860 --> 00:11:33,459 Others, like Abdulmanov here, 100 00:11:33,660 --> 00:11:36,939 delivered the lessons with the passion of a true believer. 101 00:11:37,100 --> 00:11:40,859 The next point is the economy. 102 00:11:41,020 --> 00:11:44,699 The economic component of hybrid warfare. 103 00:11:44,860 --> 00:11:48,139 These are the sanctions against our country. 104 00:11:48,300 --> 00:11:51,099 You already know 105 00:11:51,260 --> 00:11:58,139 that Europe, not Russia, is suffering the most from these sanctions now. 106 00:11:58,300 --> 00:12:02,779 Without energy, that Is, without our gas, oil and so on. 107 00:12:02,940 --> 00:12:07,659 In France, to fill the tank with petrol, 108 00:12:07,820 --> 00:12:13,179 you need more than 150 euros. 109 00:12:14,460 --> 00:12:17,299 So the French will soon be like musketeers, 110 00:12:17,460 --> 00:12:20,459 riding horses, and the rest of Europe too. 111 00:12:20,620 --> 00:12:24,019 There are no local agricultural products 112 00:12:24,180 --> 00:12:27,579 in Europe or in most other countries. 113 00:12:27,740 --> 00:12:30,939 That is, no wheat, oils, and soon. 114 00:12:31,260 --> 00:12:36,219 Well, again, in France, OK, they're used to eating oysters and frogs. 115 00:12:36,380 --> 00:12:40,219 They will last for some time, but what about the others, like England? 116 00:12:40,380 --> 00:12:43,579 England, you remember, is a tiny island. 117 00:12:43,740 --> 00:12:47,819 They killed their own people during World War II. 118 00:12:48,000 --> 00:12:52,939 In the USA, there are demonstrations supporting Russia. 119 00:12:53,100 --> 00:12:58,059 As I said, we could destroy Ukraine in a couple of days. 120 00:13:04,220 --> 00:13:10,299 Few of us were prepared for such an intervention in our freedom to teach. 121 00:13:12,300 --> 00:13:16,339 The hours when I used to focus on the kids 122 00:13:16,500 --> 00:13:23,179 are now spent uploading these videos onto some mysterious government database. 123 00:13:35,020 --> 00:13:40,219 This is my home. It's a two-bedroom in the city centre. 124 00:13:41,260 --> 00:13:44,779 Here, I have 427 books. 125 00:13:44,940 --> 00:13:47,659 All carefully arranged in colour order. 126 00:13:48,500 --> 00:13:50,459 A pet parrot. 127 00:13:51,740 --> 00:13:54,459 A dog named Nebraska. 128 00:13:54,620 --> 00:13:56,979 And lots of memories... 129 00:14:08,140 --> 00:14:13,019 As a young student, I knew I was different from the other boys 130 00:14:13,180 --> 00:14:16,319 even if I had no idea why. 131 00:14:18,380 --> 00:14:22,859 Maybe this is why I was always alone. 132 00:14:25,980 --> 00:14:29,899 I was also lonely at home. 133 00:14:30,780 --> 00:14:34,579 When I was nine, my father drowned in a lake 134 00:14:34,740 --> 00:14:40,019 leaving my mother to raise me and my siblings on her own. 135 00:14:41,940 --> 00:14:47,419 Here at the school, I can create my own family. 136 00:14:55,900 --> 00:15:00,699 What I've tried to create in my office is simple. 137 00:15:01,820 --> 00:15:07,019 Exactly the kind of place that I wish existed when I was a student. 138 00:15:59,420 --> 00:16:02,899 This office here is a pillar of democracy 139 00:16:03,060 --> 00:16:06,939 in our entire non-democratic world. 140 00:16:07,100 --> 00:16:10,739 Students can always come in here. 141 00:16:11,740 --> 00:16:15,899 Even if it's closed, one can unlock it with almost any key. 142 00:16:16,060 --> 00:16:18,899 Go ahead, film the flag. 143 00:16:36,140 --> 00:16:38,259 No, it won't fall out. 144 00:16:38,420 --> 00:16:42,699 What Evgenia Vladimirovna will tell you, she is forced to say. 145 00:16:43,060 --> 00:16:46,699 Were you forced? Blink twice if you were forced. 146 00:16:46,860 --> 00:16:52,859 - We need to save Evgenia Vladimirovna. - Let me just adjust the balance. 147 00:16:53,020 --> 00:16:56,699 All of us together must help each other and our army 148 00:16:56,860 --> 00:17:01,939 with understanding, support, and mindful attitude towards everything that happens. 149 00:17:04,180 --> 00:17:08,539 Every day, there were new mandatory lessons. 150 00:17:08,700 --> 00:17:14,139 It felt like us teachers were being forced to fight this war too. 151 00:17:15,260 --> 00:17:19,819 How many of you already know about the Crimean spring? Yes, Alexander? 152 00:17:19,980 --> 00:17:24,339 - Crimea joined Russia. - So, Crimea joined Russia, then? 153 00:17:25,180 --> 00:17:30,779 Crimea left Russia... Oh, left Ukraine and joined Russia. 154 00:17:30,940 --> 00:17:34,099 How smart you are, you all know. 155 00:17:34,260 --> 00:17:36,939 Why did the Crimean people want to join Russia? 156 00:17:37,100 --> 00:17:41,299 Because the Ukrainians didn't give money for infrastructure, 157 00:17:41,460 --> 00:17:43,739 so they decided to join us. 158 00:17:43,900 --> 00:17:48,499 Those who wear the floral crowns, please wave to the camera. 159 00:17:48,660 --> 00:17:51,099 And a wide smile. 160 00:18:12,300 --> 00:18:16,499 I'm exhausted from all the extra propaganda work. 161 00:18:25,980 --> 00:18:30,459 Then I see a post from a Russian web content company. 162 00:18:30,620 --> 00:18:36,499 "Casting call. Has your job been affected by the special military operation?" 163 00:18:37,440 --> 00:18:43,099 I surprise myself by sending them an overly long email: 164 00:18:49,460 --> 00:18:54,779 "I'm writing to you because I think I would be a good candidate for your show." 165 00:18:56,380 --> 00:19:03,179 "I am a teacher forced to do the exact opposite of what a teacher should do." 166 00:19:03,340 --> 00:19:06,459 “Using my own resources as school videographer, 167 00:19:06,620 --> 00:19:10,299 I have already been documenting things here." 168 00:19:11,100 --> 00:19:14,219 “I await your reply." 169 00:19:24,220 --> 00:19:28,379 Happy birthday! Happy birthday! 170 00:19:29,740 --> 00:19:31,539 Happy birthday. 171 00:19:31,700 --> 00:19:37,139 The students who pass through my office become family. 172 00:19:38,060 --> 00:19:41,419 Like this group of graduates from last year. 173 00:19:41,580 --> 00:19:44,379 But I'm worried for them. 174 00:19:44,540 --> 00:19:48,299 One, two, three. Karabash! 175 00:19:49,660 --> 00:19:53,819 - I don't have time to study. - I am in danger of flunking, too. 176 00:19:53,980 --> 00:19:57,179 If you flunk out, you might end up dead in Ukraine. 177 00:19:59,020 --> 00:20:02,779 They're making my sister in first grade learn war poems. 178 00:20:02,940 --> 00:20:06,139 They make her learn those too. I asked, "Why are you learning this?" 179 00:20:06,300 --> 00:20:09,099 She says, "I was told to do it to support the army." 180 00:20:09,260 --> 00:20:13,659 - Not like she knows what war Is. - No, they don't need to know what it Is. 181 00:20:14,740 --> 00:20:19,739 I got you a McDonald's t-shirt! Brand merch, my gift to Nikita. 182 00:20:26,380 --> 00:20:29,299 [A slow dance to make you cry] 183 00:20:31,740 --> 00:20:34,419 [Even though they all sound the same] 184 00:20:45,340 --> 00:20:47,579 Mum, do you know what's happening? 185 00:20:47,740 --> 00:20:51,839 Like, what they have to learn in the 11th grade? 186 00:20:51,980 --> 00:20:56,779 Heroes of the special military operation! 187 00:20:56,940 --> 00:21:00,539 So what? There are boys at war. 188 00:21:00,700 --> 00:21:02,859 Young boys. 189 00:21:03,020 --> 00:21:06,379 It's only natural for boys to go to war! 190 00:21:06,540 --> 00:21:10,259 - I don't like that kind of nature. - You're different. 191 00:21:10,420 --> 00:21:16,059 Our country wants a lot of things. There is no need to start a war for this. 192 00:21:16,220 --> 00:21:18,579 I understand you perfectly. 193 00:21:18,740 --> 00:21:23,419 One idiot decides to do this, and the whole world is now afraid. 194 00:21:23,580 --> 00:21:25,579 Idiot. 195 00:21:25,740 --> 00:21:31,099 It would have been better if he just Sat at his desk and did nothing! 196 00:21:31,260 --> 00:21:36,339 I am sorry, but people love war. They want to shoot each other. 197 00:21:36,500 --> 00:21:42,459 It's always been like that. And our people were in all the battles. Always. 198 00:21:42,620 --> 00:21:45,099 People love to shoot each other. 199 00:21:45,260 --> 00:21:49,019 Turn on your brain sometimes. It's useful. 200 00:21:50,900 --> 00:21:54,219 Take some sweets, son. 201 00:22:09,020 --> 00:22:11,019 Beautiful. 202 00:22:13,420 --> 00:22:18,459 Somewhere along the line, I got sick of having no one to talk to. 203 00:22:19,900 --> 00:22:22,859 So I started talking to my own camera. 204 00:22:35,980 --> 00:22:42,379 It's a very unpleasant feeling. 205 00:22:44,540 --> 00:22:49,299 It's like you are in a room 206 00:22:49,460 --> 00:22:54,579 and all walls are closing in on you. 207 00:22:54,740 --> 00:22:58,459 The air is running out. 208 00:23:00,060 --> 00:23:06,459 And you are so aware that you cannot change anything. 209 00:23:06,620 --> 00:23:11,339 That you remain trapped in this system. 210 00:23:15,900 --> 00:23:21,819 I love my job, but I don't want to be a pawn of the regime. 211 00:23:49,980 --> 00:23:55,699 I'm resigning my position as event coordinator at Karabash Primary School. 212 00:23:59,900 --> 00:24:03,419 Whatever repercussions come of this, so be it. 213 00:24:05,980 --> 00:24:09,779 Even a guy like me should have some principles. 214 00:24:13,020 --> 00:24:18,539 I walk into the administration office and submit the resignation letter. 215 00:24:22,940 --> 00:24:26,459 By June, I am done here. 216 00:25:00,180 --> 00:25:04,659 Sometimes I get asked to film things outside of school. 217 00:25:05,740 --> 00:25:09,659 And today I'm filming a pro-war rally. 218 00:25:10,620 --> 00:25:14,139 I feel like for now I must play along. 219 00:25:20,220 --> 00:25:24,059 Come stand with us. Right here. 220 00:25:27,340 --> 00:25:30,299 WE DON'T ABANDON OUR PEOPLE 221 00:25:36,180 --> 00:25:41,459 I feel like I'm an alien in my own town. But of course, it's not just here. 222 00:25:41,620 --> 00:25:45,659 Around the country, the drums of war beat wildly. 223 00:25:45,820 --> 00:25:50,739 If we need to turn Kyiv into ruins and put our flag on top of these ruins 224 00:25:50,900 --> 00:25:52,539 then this must be done. 225 00:25:54,380 --> 00:25:57,339 The rally in Karabash is just part of a larger national information war. 226 00:25:57,500 --> 00:26:01,959 This operation is about revenge. We strike precisely for revenge. 227 00:26:02,100 --> 00:26:05,419 This is a manifestation of our hate, a totally holy hate. 228 00:26:05,580 --> 00:26:08,059 We shouldn't kill them out of hate. 229 00:26:09,020 --> 00:26:13,179 We must kill them out of love, love for our children. 230 00:26:13,340 --> 00:26:16,819 [Ah, Mother Russia] 231 00:26:16,980 --> 00:26:20,499 [Our nuclear missiles] [are ready for battle] 232 00:26:20,660 --> 00:26:25,819 [Trust us, grandmother] [with the red banner!] 233 00:26:25,980 --> 00:26:29,099 No to the war! No to the war! 234 00:26:29,260 --> 00:26:33,499 Of course there were the anti-war protestors in some larger cities. 235 00:26:35,340 --> 00:26:38,899 Stop the war! No to the war! 236 00:26:39,060 --> 00:26:44,619 Media personnel, step aside. 237 00:26:44,780 --> 00:26:48,379 I wish I could be as brave as them. 238 00:26:49,780 --> 00:26:53,019 But I'm not. 239 00:26:53,180 --> 00:26:57,819 And this goes for everyone in this town. 240 00:27:06,620 --> 00:27:10,859 - Is there anyone against the war? - No, we do not know anyone. 241 00:27:11,020 --> 00:27:15,079 Among our social circle, there are none of that kind. 242 00:27:15,260 --> 00:27:19,179 They won't even dare to be "against". 243 00:27:29,500 --> 00:27:36,139 After the rally, I see what the town has done with my footage. 244 00:27:37,660 --> 00:27:42,899 It's a multimedia exhibit at the town library. 245 00:27:47,100 --> 00:27:51,859 I look into the eyes of the kids watching my creation. 246 00:27:56,940 --> 00:28:01,019 I am these kids' propagandist. 247 00:28:08,700 --> 00:28:15,179 Luckily I brought my universal remote, so I could turn off the bullshit. 248 00:28:33,980 --> 00:28:39,219 All of a sudden, I received the strangest message ever. 249 00:28:40,700 --> 00:28:45,139 The Instagram post I randomly responded to has paid off. 250 00:28:45,500 --> 00:28:47,539 And now... 251 00:28:49,500 --> 00:28:54,619 "Dear Pasha, I am from Europe working in documentary films." 252 00:28:54,780 --> 00:28:59,099 "Your contact information was given to me by a friend in Russia." 253 00:28:59,260 --> 00:29:01,899 "I want to talk about your idea 254 00:29:02,060 --> 00:29:06,419 to film a story about how the war is affecting your school." 255 00:29:10,540 --> 00:29:17,419 When I sent that pitch, I Knew no one in Russia could legally cover this story. 256 00:29:18,380 --> 00:29:22,559 But now a foreigner enters the scene offering support. 257 00:29:24,220 --> 00:29:27,659 I spend all night thinking about his offer 258 00:29:27,820 --> 00:29:31,019 to help show my material to the world. 259 00:29:39,580 --> 00:29:41,579 Let's do this. 260 00:29:45,420 --> 00:29:49,739 My job already involves filming everything around the school. 261 00:29:49,900 --> 00:29:52,779 It's the perfect cover. 262 00:29:53,940 --> 00:29:59,239 Why resign my position when it's the perfect way to make a film here? 263 00:29:59,500 --> 00:30:03,739 I go to the school administration and take back my resignation. 264 00:30:20,340 --> 00:30:23,999 Now I'm not only a school videographer. 265 00:30:24,140 --> 00:30:27,899 Now, I'm a film director. 266 00:30:28,060 --> 00:30:33,019 And I'll use my camera to film the abyss this school ts sinking into. 267 00:30:35,340 --> 00:30:38,619 But where to start? 268 00:30:44,540 --> 00:30:46,779 Attention! 269 00:30:46,940 --> 00:30:48,939 Present the flag. 270 00:30:54,620 --> 00:31:01,099 The new mandatory anthem ceremony is overseen by Pavel Abdulmanov... 271 00:31:02,700 --> 00:31:05,939 ...representative of the ruling party in our institution. 272 00:31:08,620 --> 00:31:11,076 Now that's interesting. 273 00:31:17,180 --> 00:31:23,859 I think that the history of Russia is one of the most important social sciences. 274 00:31:24,200 --> 00:31:29,419 I agree with the saying 275 00:31:29,580 --> 00:31:35,019 that people who have forgotten their history 276 00:31:35,260 --> 00:31:38,259 do not have a future. 277 00:31:39,820 --> 00:31:44,819 Which famous historical figures would you like to meet? 278 00:31:48,060 --> 00:31:51,508 I think some of the Soviet officials 279 00:31:51,533 --> 00:31:54,699 from the Soviet era. 280 00:31:56,220 --> 00:31:58,859 Lavrentiy Beria, 281 00:31:59,700 --> 00:32:04,019 Lavrentiy Beria, leader of Stalin's secret police. 282 00:32:04,380 --> 00:32:07,019 Father of the Gulag system. 283 00:32:07,180 --> 00:32:10,939 He was so enthusiastic about the beating of political prisoners 284 00:32:11,100 --> 00:32:15,179 that he would often join in the torture himself during his purges. 285 00:32:15,360 --> 00:32:17,299 Maybe Abakumov. 286 00:32:17,460 --> 00:32:21,459 Viktor Abakumov, Stalin's spy hunter. 287 00:32:21,620 --> 00:32:26,939 Famous for killing countless enemy spies, almost none of which were actually spies. 288 00:32:28,540 --> 00:32:33,339 Definitely Pavel Sudoplatov. 289 00:32:33,500 --> 00:32:39,739 Pavel Sudoplatov. Notable for eliminating Stalin's enemies in creative ways 290 00:32:39,900 --> 00:32:43,739 such as an ice pick straight through Leon Trotsky s head. 291 00:32:43,913 --> 00:32:47,752 And a bomb disguised as a box of chocolates 292 00:32:47,900 --> 00:32:52,699 delivered to a prominent Ukrainian independence fighter. 293 00:32:52,860 --> 00:32:58,099 - Why these guys? - I think they had interesting jobs. 294 00:32:58,260 --> 00:33:02,299 How will your students remember you? 295 00:33:02,460 --> 00:33:05,659 As a fun person, I hope. 296 00:33:15,740 --> 00:33:21,819 It's so crucial to eliminate dissenting views 297 00:33:21,980 --> 00:33:25,659 so there is no political split in our country. 298 00:33:25,820 --> 00:33:29,019 You love your motherland out of obligation. 299 00:33:29,180 --> 00:33:31,699 Like how you love your mother. 300 00:33:31,860 --> 00:33:35,219 You love her just because she's your mother. 301 00:33:35,380 --> 00:33:39,259 You love your motherland just because it is your motherland. 302 00:33:40,300 --> 00:33:47,979 If you were born in this country and don't believe we're doing the right thing 303 00:33:48,140 --> 00:33:55,339 then leave. Go to the country that you think ts better. 304 00:33:56,020 --> 00:34:01,619 If you live in our country and don't love it, then you're a parasite. Leave. 305 00:34:32,220 --> 00:34:37,619 I can understand Abdulmanov from one side... 306 00:34:39,980 --> 00:34:43,099 ...because he Is brainwashed. 307 00:34:43,260 --> 00:34:45,819 He is so certain that he is correct. 308 00:34:45,980 --> 00:34:48,499 But I worry about... 309 00:34:51,900 --> 00:34:55,099 ...the kids sitting in front of him. 310 00:34:55,260 --> 00:35:03,419 They haven't yet learned how they should live their lives. 311 00:35:03,580 --> 00:35:07,419 They can't make these decisions yet. 312 00:35:09,420 --> 00:35:14,619 I might love Russia much more than the regime supporters do. 313 00:35:17,940 --> 00:35:23,579 I love when you can open 314 00:35:23,740 --> 00:35:27,739 your balcony door wide open 315 00:35:27,900 --> 00:35:30,619 to get all the fresh air in. 316 00:35:31,980 --> 00:35:36,059 I love when it gets so cold, 317 00:35:36,220 --> 00:35:39,699 it's almost minus forty five degrees, 318 00:35:39,860 --> 00:35:46,939 and you can only run from one place to another 319 00:35:47,100 --> 00:35:51,539 with a completely red face and a white ice moustache. 320 00:35:51,820 --> 00:35:55,659 I love autumn. 321 00:35:56,920 --> 00:35:59,739 I love everything. 322 00:36:03,580 --> 00:36:06,299 I love the people. 323 00:36:06,460 --> 00:36:11,859 Love for your country is not about putting up a flag. 324 00:36:12,020 --> 00:36:17,939 It is not about singing the anthem either. 325 00:36:19,540 --> 00:36:23,419 It's not about exploitation and propaganda. 326 00:36:23,580 --> 00:36:29,979 Love for your country means saying, "We have a problem." 327 00:36:59,740 --> 00:37:02,299 What are you filming? 328 00:37:04,140 --> 00:37:06,419 - A film. - For what? 329 00:37:06,580 --> 00:37:08,459 BBC. 330 00:37:10,420 --> 00:37:13,299 Ah, well film then. 331 00:37:20,540 --> 00:37:25,499 It's not just my current students who face new challenges. 332 00:37:29,260 --> 00:37:34,259 Many of my former students are at the age for military service. 333 00:37:34,420 --> 00:37:37,019 This is a long-standing tradition 334 00:37:37,180 --> 00:37:41,499 but now it has much darker implications. 335 00:37:43,700 --> 00:37:49,499 This is Vanya. Even after his graduation, he still often comes to my office. 336 00:37:49,660 --> 00:37:52,699 I just came in and these little guys 337 00:37:52,860 --> 00:37:56,619 who used to run and trip over my knees 338 00:37:56,780 --> 00:38:02,059 now they are taller than me, in their graduation costumes. I am in shock. 339 00:38:02,220 --> 00:38:04,219 Why does time fly so fast? 340 00:38:09,340 --> 00:38:15,379 Vanya now works at the liquor store as he figures out his next step. 341 00:38:15,540 --> 00:38:21,459 Maybe I'll move to Chelyabinsk. I am not sure what to do with my life yet. 342 00:38:21,620 --> 00:38:25,939 - Do you have connections there? - No, who the fuck needs me? 343 00:38:27,340 --> 00:38:31,259 You'd better not join the army out of desperation. 344 00:38:31,420 --> 00:38:34,579 - I wanted to. - Did you? Still or not anymore? 345 00:38:34,740 --> 00:38:37,779 I wanted to sign a contract. 346 00:38:43,100 --> 00:38:46,139 It is necessary to support the proposal of the Ministry of Defense 347 00:38:46,300 --> 00:38:51,579 and the General Staff to hold a partial military mobilisation in Russia. 348 00:38:51,980 --> 00:38:55,259 The decree on partial mobilisation has been signed. 349 00:38:57,500 --> 00:39:01,499 Just like that, everything was about to change again. 350 00:39:05,300 --> 00:39:07,499 Keep it even in the back. 351 00:39:07,660 --> 00:39:12,779 Across the country, regular men were called up for duty. 352 00:39:16,300 --> 00:39:21,779 Now almost all men will live under the constant threat of being sent to war. 353 00:39:23,700 --> 00:39:26,539 Perhaps it was inevitable 354 00:39:26,700 --> 00:39:31,859 that the realities of war would find their way into my little office. 355 00:39:33,660 --> 00:39:38,619 I had the same attitude as my mother in the beginning. 356 00:39:38,780 --> 00:39:43,499 I couldn’t care less about the war, as long as it doesn't bother me personally. 357 00:39:43,660 --> 00:39:48,979 This is Masha. A constant presence in my office over the past years. 358 00:39:57,780 --> 00:40:03,339 - I want to go to medical school. - You still need to get in. 359 00:40:03,500 --> 00:40:07,019 - What if you don't get in? - Well, damn then. 360 00:40:07,180 --> 00:40:11,419 Masha! When did you stop believing In Santa Claus? 361 00:40:11,580 --> 00:40:15,859 - I still believe in Santa Claus. - What did you ask him for? 362 00:40:16,020 --> 00:40:17,739 Happiness. 363 00:40:19,020 --> 00:40:22,939 My brother is chilling in a base " in some city in Russia 364 00:40:23,100 --> 00:40:27,179 waiting to be sent back to Ukraine. 365 00:40:27,340 --> 00:40:32,659 He went to Ukraine for ten days I and was sent back to the base. 366 00:40:32,820 --> 00:40:35,659 Some men stay there for two to three weeks. 367 00:40:35,820 --> 00:40:38,939 - He was drafted? - Yes. 368 00:40:39,100 --> 00:40:43,659 - He has a duty. - What ts his salary? 369 00:40:43,820 --> 00:40:47,899 He just got about 1200 euro for a month. 370 00:40:49,100 --> 00:40:51,419 They have really scary guns. 371 00:40:51,580 --> 00:40:54,859 - Are they broken? - No, his are all good. 372 00:40:55,020 --> 00:41:00,379 He carries four grenades on one side. 373 00:41:00,380 --> 00:41:02,619 And four grenades on the other. 374 00:41:05,180 --> 00:41:09,819 As rough as it was to see Masha's brother go off to war 375 00:41:09,980 --> 00:41:15,739 it wasn't any easier to see my own students get drafted. 376 00:41:35,540 --> 00:41:39,739 What was your first thought when you were drafted into the army? 377 00:41:39,900 --> 00:41:43,259 That this farewell party would be expensive for me. 378 00:41:43,420 --> 00:41:48,779 - Do you really want to join the army? - I was conscripted. They sent for me. 379 00:41:48,940 --> 00:41:52,219 Which troops would you most like to join? 380 00:41:52,380 --> 00:41:57,339 Putin's. I'd like to serve in the Kremlin. 381 00:41:59,580 --> 00:42:02,899 - Should you shave? - Are you going to shave me? 382 00:42:03,060 --> 00:42:08,379 I think Vanya needs a shave. Let's shave little Vanya. 383 00:42:08,540 --> 00:42:13,179 - Leave enough room for everyone. - Yes, he has a lot of hair. 384 00:42:13,340 --> 00:42:16,779 - Yes, he still has it. - On the second round. 385 00:42:21,420 --> 00:42:25,979 Do you know what this hairstyle is called? Landing strip. For pilots. 386 00:42:26,140 --> 00:42:29,299 It's run out of power. Put it on the charger. 387 00:42:29,460 --> 00:42:33,499 - Say "Ivan". One, two, three. - Ivan! 388 00:42:33,660 --> 00:42:37,779 - Say "army". One, two, three. - Army! 389 00:42:44,300 --> 00:42:49,499 - Pasha, put down the camera and come. - Let me do a little too. 390 00:42:54,620 --> 00:42:57,339 You decided to sign up on your own? 391 00:42:57,500 --> 00:43:01,939 - They sent for me. - Why didn't you call me? 392 00:43:02,100 --> 00:43:07,499 It happened so fast, I didn't understand what was going on. 393 00:43:07,660 --> 00:43:10,379 Ah, we need to charge it more. 394 00:43:10,380 --> 00:43:13,179 OK, so let it charge. 395 00:43:29,900 --> 00:43:35,979 In my office I've witnessed these friendships bloom. 396 00:43:37,660 --> 00:43:40,299 But it's all so fragile. 397 00:43:47,660 --> 00:43:52,859 - What a son you have raised. - Dammit, I'm crying. 398 00:43:54,740 --> 00:43:56,819 Vanya! 399 00:44:01,660 --> 00:44:04,219 Fuck, I'm crying. 400 00:44:05,260 --> 00:44:08,819 Goddammit, Vanya. 401 00:44:08,980 --> 00:44:13,979 I know, Vanya, you are my friend, you are my friend, you are my brother. 402 00:44:14,140 --> 00:44:18,099 You understand? Not by blood, but by soul. Understand? 403 00:44:18,260 --> 00:44:25,019 If you were a stupid, bad guy, I would have cut you off. I love you for real. 404 00:44:25,180 --> 00:44:30,099 I see the real you. For real. 405 00:44:32,300 --> 00:44:36,179 You're leaving for a year... It's fucked up. 406 00:44:59,220 --> 00:45:02,539 I haven't slept since Vanya's going away party. 407 00:45:02,700 --> 00:45:06,619 Maybe I'm too anxious to ever sleep again. 408 00:45:12,380 --> 00:45:16,179 To see my students so directly get drawn into this war 409 00:45:16,340 --> 00:45:21,499 gave me an uncontrollable urge to lash out. 410 00:45:25,940 --> 00:45:31,899 And so, when setting up the sound system for the daily anthem ceremony, I acted. 411 00:45:39,380 --> 00:45:43,899 The US national anthem as performed by Lady Gaga. 412 00:45:44,060 --> 00:45:47,579 What could be more treasonous? 413 00:46:06,460 --> 00:46:08,699 Pasha, stop it immediately. 414 00:46:08,860 --> 00:46:11,819 - Why? - Do you want to go to prison? 415 00:46:11,980 --> 00:46:15,739 - You have lots of enemies at the school. - So what? 416 00:46:19,500 --> 00:46:23,659 President Vladimir Putin Signed a law 417 00:46:23,900 --> 00:46:27,739 on life imprisonment for government treason. 418 00:46:27,900 --> 00:46:32,499 We must suppress the activities of foreign secret services and identify 419 00:46:32,660 --> 00:46:35,379 traitors, spies and saboteurs. 420 00:46:35,540 --> 00:46:41,579 In April 2023, the state released updated laws concerning "treason". 421 00:46:42,580 --> 00:46:44,619 25 years in prison. 422 00:46:44,780 --> 00:46:50,939 That's the verdict for journalist and activist Vladimir Kara-Murza. 423 00:46:51,100 --> 00:46:53,179 He was found guilty of treason, 424 00:46:53,340 --> 00:46:58,059 discrediting the army, and leading an "undesirable organisation." 425 00:46:58,220 --> 00:47:01,739 There is something called “traitor of the motherland". 426 00:47:01,900 --> 00:47:07,539 Just imagine this. You are a citizen of your country 427 00:47:07,700 --> 00:47:12,179 and then there is a person who betrays your country. 428 00:47:12,340 --> 00:47:14,939 He is just a scumbag. 429 00:47:16,700 --> 00:47:21,819 Obviously, I am constantly walking around the town with the camera. 430 00:47:23,020 --> 00:47:26,459 At first it felt safe and even interesting. 431 00:47:26,620 --> 00:47:29,419 It was like a game. 432 00:47:29,580 --> 00:47:31,379 But then... 433 00:47:32,860 --> 00:47:39,859 It became harder as the political atmosphere was heating up. 434 00:47:40,020 --> 00:47:45,779 People start taking notice if the camera is present. 435 00:47:49,500 --> 00:47:55,339 They get pretty worried. Start whispering. 436 00:47:57,260 --> 00:47:59,419 It seems like... 437 00:48:00,540 --> 00:48:03,499 ...12 a second, trust was lost. 438 00:48:06,220 --> 00:48:09,139 Please be seated. 439 00:48:13,620 --> 00:48:17,619 True or false: an effective way of fighting modern warfare 440 00:48:17,780 --> 00:48:21,019 is to use foreign agents. 441 00:48:22,620 --> 00:48:28,539 The enemy is trying to recruit people from local communities 442 00:48:28,700 --> 00:48:32,859 to spread propaganda and confusion. 443 00:48:33,020 --> 00:48:35,859 That's the truth. 444 00:48:37,580 --> 00:48:41,979 We must support each other. 445 00:48:42,140 --> 00:48:48,379 They will attempt to defeat us from the inside 446 00:48:48,540 --> 00:48:51,579 by dividing us. 447 00:48:51,740 --> 00:48:58,059 So it's important that we unite and support each other. 448 00:49:01,440 --> 00:49:06,859 These kind of lessons would be unimaginable when I was a student here. 449 00:49:08,140 --> 00:49:10,579 In those days an open environment 450 00:49:10,740 --> 00:49:14,899 made it possible for someone like me to be free in this school. 451 00:49:15,060 --> 00:49:20,379 But since last year, there is no more freedom to be found here. 452 00:49:29,020 --> 00:49:32,859 And starting from today, it's official. 453 00:49:39,660 --> 00:49:43,899 Dear teachers, students, and visitors! 454 00:49:44,060 --> 00:49:49,099 We're here to witness an event of historical magnitude. 455 00:49:49,180 --> 00:49:54,139 Russian President Vladimir Putin has supported the idea 456 00:49:54,300 --> 00:49:58,379 of the creation of an all-Russian movement for children. 457 00:49:58,540 --> 00:50:00,859 For the first time in Russian history, 458 00:50:01,020 --> 00:50:05,979 a president will personally chair the board of the children's movement. 459 00:50:06,280 --> 00:50:11,859 I greet all the participants of the first meeting of the children's movement. 460 00:50:12,020 --> 00:50:18,139 Here in Moscow, we meet bright and creative kids from all over the country. 461 00:50:18,440 --> 00:50:22,139 This includes kids from our new regions. 462 00:50:26,100 --> 00:50:28,699 Putin announced this new organisation 463 00:50:28,860 --> 00:50:32,979 on the 100-year anniversary of the Soviet Pioneers. 464 00:50:34,300 --> 00:50:36,539 In the high Soviet era, 465 00:50:36,700 --> 00:50:41,499 the pioneers prepared the youth to fight the future battles of communism. 466 00:50:41,820 --> 00:50:47,339 Putin is bringing back this all-encompassing propaganda organisation. 467 00:50:48,980 --> 00:50:52,219 But not for communism. 468 00:50:52,380 --> 00:50:58,139 No, this movement is loyal only to him and his aims. 469 00:51:00,060 --> 00:51:02,539 - Patriot! - Our motto! 470 00:51:02,700 --> 00:51:06,779 We only move forward, since we're the Patriot team! 471 00:51:06,940 --> 00:51:10,259 We're brave and agile, and ready to do anything to win. 472 00:51:20,860 --> 00:51:26,739 Go sit down over there. Move the chairs there, and sit down in pairs. 473 00:51:26,900 --> 00:51:30,299 - Did I put my hat on the right way? - Yes. 474 00:51:30,460 --> 00:51:35,259 Putin's new youth movement mandates new types of propaganda lessons. 475 00:51:35,420 --> 00:51:38,619 Now, there are not just prepared lines for the teachers. 476 00:51:38,780 --> 00:51:42,619 Now, even the students are reading from scripts. 477 00:51:44,540 --> 00:51:49,979 Kids, please hide your scripts under the tables. 478 00:51:51,260 --> 00:51:55,539 Tell me another of the most heroic Soviet cities. 479 00:51:55,700 --> 00:51:58,139 - Kyiv! - Which one? 480 00:51:58,300 --> 00:52:01,339 - Kyiv. - It's correct. 481 00:52:03,420 --> 00:52:07,539 Someone wants to tell me a little bit about it? Yura, please. 482 00:52:07,700 --> 00:52:12,979 Kyiv is one of our first cities fighting the enemy during the Great Patriotic War. 483 00:52:13,140 --> 00:52:18,259 On June 6, 1941, 484 00:52:18,420 --> 00:52:24,219 facing perilous attack from German fascist troops 485 00:52:24,380 --> 00:52:28,379 our military headquarters was established in Kyiv. 486 00:52:28,540 --> 00:52:34,459 The 72-day defense of the Ukrainian capital thus began 487 00:52:34,620 --> 00:52:38,459 lasting until September 19, 1941. 488 00:52:38,620 --> 00:52:43,099 - This city received its first award... - Look at the teacher, not me. 489 00:52:43,260 --> 00:52:46,219 This city received its first award... 490 00:52:49,900 --> 00:52:53,179 What do Putin's lessons seek to teach us? 491 00:52:53,340 --> 00:53:00,699 It's obvious on Victory Day, the holiest day of the year for the Russian state. 492 00:53:00,860 --> 00:53:08,219 Marching together, we hold pictures of relatives who perished in World War II. 493 00:53:08,380 --> 00:53:11,739 We begin the ceremony of laying a garland 494 00:53:11,900 --> 00:53:15,659 In recognition of the heroism of Soviet soldiers. 495 00:53:15,820 --> 00:53:23,419 A wreath is placed on behalf of the copper mining conglomerate Karabash-med. 496 00:53:25,300 --> 00:53:28,619 The message to the kids isn't subtle. 497 00:53:28,780 --> 00:53:35,699 "Maybe one day you can be a dead soldier too." 498 00:53:40,380 --> 00:53:44,939 Our people, just like in the years of the Great Patriotic War, must unite 499 00:53:45,100 --> 00:53:47,259 in order to defeat the enemy. 500 00:53:47,540 --> 00:53:52,139 I'm very happy to see so many children and young people here at the parade. 501 00:53:52,300 --> 00:53:56,379 I encourage you, patriots. 502 00:53:56,660 --> 00:54:02,579 You, young people, will have to carry the banner of absolute victory over evil. 503 00:54:06,060 --> 00:54:09,659 [Come on, let's live,] [let’s live] 504 00:54:09,820 --> 00:54:13,979 [Sharing the minutes] [of joy and happiness together] 505 00:54:14,140 --> 00:54:17,419 [And valuing every hour,] [every moment that we have] 506 00:54:17,580 --> 00:54:21,259 [Oh, our life, oh, our life] [is like a song] 507 00:54:49,460 --> 00:54:52,659 Ah, I get it no 508 00:54:58,100 --> 00:55:01,459 Hi, Masha. How have you been? 509 00:55:01,620 --> 00:55:04,219 Are you OK? 510 00:55:09,020 --> 00:55:12,139 Wait, I am filming you taking the picture. 511 00:55:12,300 --> 00:55:14,299 Your brother. 512 00:55:15,340 --> 00:55:20,619 - Are you going to show it to your mum? - Yes, they put it in the classroom. 513 00:55:26,100 --> 00:55:30,459 Do you feel happy that the teachers put the photo of your brother on the wall? 514 00:55:30,620 --> 00:55:34,539 - Well, I am not happy he ts at war. - Understandable. 515 00:55:36,540 --> 00:55:39,819 As part of the state-mandated propaganda 516 00:55:39,980 --> 00:55:46,779 students here are often given graded assignments to write letters to soldiers. 517 00:55:47,860 --> 00:55:53,499 But sometimes these tasks can be redirected towards our own ends. 518 00:55:53,660 --> 00:55:57,499 They can be a good way to vent suppressed feelings. 519 00:55:57,660 --> 00:56:01,779 Masha, did you show your mother the letter you wrote to a soldier? 520 00:56:01,940 --> 00:56:05,339 - She said it was a Sad letter. - What letter is this? 521 00:56:05,500 --> 00:56:06,779 To a soldier. 522 00:56:06,940 --> 00:56:08,939 She said I was good at describing things. 523 00:56:09,100 --> 00:56:12,219 Did you write to a random soldier or to your brother? 524 00:56:12,380 --> 00:56:14,779 I wrote to a soldier about my brother. 525 00:56:14,940 --> 00:56:18,299 "Dear soldier, I hope you are well, dressed, healthy and full." 526 00:56:18,460 --> 00:56:24,539 “I understand this is not easy neither for you nor for your family and friends." 527 00:56:24,700 --> 00:56:28,979 "But just do anything to come back home. It's not easy for me either, honestly." 528 00:56:29,140 --> 00:56:34,259 "My brother is on the battlefield now, and we're all very worried for him." 529 00:56:34,420 --> 00:56:38,299 "On February 3rd, 2023, he told us he was OK." 530 00:56:38,460 --> 00:56:42,059 “He said he was not hungry nor was he missing us." 531 00:56:42,240 --> 00:56:46,899 That he was missing us, I mean. “I am writing this to tell you 532 00:56:47,060 --> 00:56:51,539 please do not forget to call people who are worried about you." 533 00:56:59,380 --> 00:57:02,299 Forward march, go! 534 00:57:10,140 --> 00:57:13,339 When did we start marching in the hallways? 535 00:57:13,500 --> 00:57:17,179 Is Severus Snape our new headmaster? 536 00:57:17,340 --> 00:57:24,539 [White snow, gray ice!] [On the cracked earth!] 537 00:57:24,700 --> 00:57:32,059 [Covered by a patchwork quilt!] [There is a city in the bend of the road!] 538 00:57:32,220 --> 00:57:39,659 [And clouds are floating above the sky!] [Quenching the heavenly light!] 539 00:57:39,840 --> 00:57:42,539 Proceed to the next step. 540 00:57:42,700 --> 00:57:44,819 Yes, sir. 541 00:57:44,980 --> 00:57:48,499 Don't turn with your shoulder. 542 00:57:49,500 --> 00:57:52,859 - You are walking too fast. - At ease. 543 00:57:53,020 --> 00:57:56,939 Marching steps. And march. 544 00:58:03,580 --> 00:58:07,579 14 students from 6th grade are failing. 545 00:58:07,740 --> 00:58:09,979 And 34 students from 7th grade. 546 00:58:10,140 --> 00:58:13,179 133 grades are missing. 547 00:58:13,420 --> 00:58:16,539 I think the teachers are inflating the grades. 548 00:58:16,700 --> 00:58:24,859 Pavel Abdulmanov, academic performance in your class has dropped seven per cent. 549 00:58:26,380 --> 00:58:31,419 Back to the problem of kids failing. This is a very serious issue. 550 00:58:31,580 --> 00:58:36,379 This is not only happening in our school. There are a lot of questions. 551 00:58:36,540 --> 00:58:43,379 We need to find out why this is happening and what can be done about it. 552 00:58:50,460 --> 00:58:53,819 Maybe the reason they are failing is all the bullshit. 553 00:58:53,980 --> 00:58:59,659 You have to prepare all the patriotic lessons, all the special courses. 554 00:58:59,820 --> 00:59:03,899 The new youth organisations that they shove down your throat. 555 00:59:04,060 --> 00:59:08,779 It's true. How are we supposed to do this all at once? 556 00:59:08,940 --> 00:59:15,499 "Go Russia, hurray for nuclear weapons," that's all we have here now. 557 00:59:15,660 --> 00:59:19,979 What if we could just take out all the extra activities 558 00:59:20,140 --> 00:59:24,299 and just focus on educating kids. Why can't we just try it? 559 00:59:24,460 --> 00:59:28,819 - How in the world can we do that? - I would get fired! 560 00:59:28,980 --> 00:59:33,459 - I'd also get fired as Principal. - It has to come from above. 561 00:59:48,220 --> 00:59:52,779 It's like walking a tight rope. 562 00:59:56,540 --> 01:00:03,899 When you feel like you are nothing but a propagandist 563 01:00:04,060 --> 01:00:08,219 and you feel like it's going to consume all of you 564 01:00:08,380 --> 01:00:12,539 you need to even it out 565 01:00:12,700 --> 01:00:15,979 and act out. 566 01:00:19,100 --> 01:00:22,899 My stomach Is aching. 567 01:00:24,660 --> 01:00:28,699 I might be a self-destructive person. 568 01:00:31,980 --> 01:00:36,979 But I can't look at one more pro-war Z symbol on these windows. 569 01:00:38,060 --> 01:00:43,099 So I take them down and put up X's instead. 570 01:00:43,260 --> 01:00:47,499 A symbol online in support of Ukrainian refugees. 571 01:01:06,300 --> 01:01:11,099 No, Pasha, don't do this. We are all adults here, after all. 572 01:01:11,260 --> 01:01:13,459 Everyone is having a hard time. 573 01:01:13,620 --> 01:01:15,899 That's correct, everyone Is having a hard time. 574 01:01:16,060 --> 01:01:19,259 Pasha, you have to listen to other people too. 575 01:01:19,420 --> 01:01:23,339 That's it, thank you, it's great that we heard each other out. 576 01:01:25,180 --> 01:01:28,299 Karabash is a small city, where everybody knows each other. 577 01:01:28,460 --> 01:01:34,619 Word starts spreading about my open opposition to the regime 578 01:01:34,780 --> 01:01:41,579 and in Russia, you never know what kind of danger you might face. 579 01:01:46,580 --> 01:01:53,179 I go to the town award ceremony feeling anxious but also a bit hopeful. 580 01:01:58,460 --> 01:02:04,179 Here, an award is given to the local teacher who is most loved by students. 581 01:02:05,260 --> 01:02:11,819 The prize is a new deluxe apartment, right here in Karabash. 582 01:02:16,660 --> 01:02:19,499 Good afternoon. Hello, dear guests. 583 01:02:19,660 --> 01:02:26,379 The award is for someone kind, someone understanding. 584 01:02:27,380 --> 01:02:34,539 Someone who creates a space for students where they feel comfortable. 585 01:02:34,700 --> 01:02:40,459 We are starting the ceremony for "favourite teacher" award. 586 01:02:46,300 --> 01:02:49,499 The winner is Pavel Shaihovich Abdulmanov! 587 01:02:49,660 --> 01:02:54,279 The history and social science teacher from Karabash Primary School. 588 01:02:56,980 --> 01:03:03,059 Students and parents value him for his kindness, his way of explaining things, 589 01:03:03,220 --> 01:03:08,219 his creative approach to teaching, and for his understanding of students. 590 01:03:08,380 --> 01:03:11,899 "Abdulmanov teaches us how to be smart." 591 01:03:20,860 --> 01:03:25,819 I'm overwhelmed with emotions, even if you don't see it on my face. 592 01:03:25,980 --> 01:03:31,379 Sometimes I feel like I'm the guy everyone wants to tear apart. 593 01:03:31,540 --> 01:03:35,059 But it turns out they really love me. 594 01:03:38,940 --> 01:03:42,779 As a teacher I feel more and more useless. 595 01:03:42,940 --> 01:03:46,619 It's now time for the mercenaries to teach. 596 01:03:47,580 --> 01:03:50,299 Don't film too much here. 597 01:03:50,460 --> 01:03:54,219 Wagner mercenaries, to be precise. 598 01:03:54,380 --> 01:03:56,859 Wagner. 599 01:03:58,460 --> 01:04:02,299 This mine is called a petal. 600 01:04:02,460 --> 01:04:05,019 It's being thrown out from airplanes. 601 01:04:05,340 --> 01:04:11,579 If it's a field or open space, you would never see it. 602 01:04:11,900 --> 01:04:19,699 It's very hard to see it in bushes or anywhere else. 603 01:04:19,860 --> 01:04:23,539 If you see this mine, walk around it. 604 01:04:23,700 --> 01:04:28,499 If you ever see it anywhere, never come close to it or touch it. 605 01:04:28,780 --> 01:04:32,339 There is liquid inside that blows up instantly. 606 01:04:32,500 --> 01:04:36,499 It will take your whole leg off in a second. 607 01:04:38,860 --> 01:04:43,259 The most important thing, if you end up in a cross fire is 608 01:04:43,420 --> 01:04:46,219 never clasp your helmet! 609 01:04:46,380 --> 01:04:49,919 It will break your neck if you get shot in the head. 610 01:05:05,620 --> 01:05:09,019 Move a little bit closer together. 611 01:05:11,740 --> 01:05:14,299 OK, thank you. 612 01:05:14,460 --> 01:05:18,099 Our schedules are packed with military related events. 613 01:05:18,260 --> 01:05:24,699 Marching practice, shooting drills, grenade throwing competitions. 614 01:05:30,860 --> 01:05:38,779 The 2nd place for "Grenade Throwing, Age Category 15-16 Years" 615 01:05:38,940 --> 01:05:41,499 is awarded to Bidal Gabitov. 616 01:05:41,660 --> 01:05:47,259 The 1st place award goes to Seymon Chuykin. 617 01:05:50,780 --> 01:05:56,659 We've never had a demand for teachers as we do now. 618 01:05:56,820 --> 01:06:04,299 Teachers play pivotal roles when countries are at turning points. 619 01:06:04,460 --> 01:06:08,059 Commanders don't win wars. 620 01:06:08,220 --> 01:06:10,619 Teachers win wars. 621 01:06:10,780 --> 01:06:16,379 You can see these models of small arms used during the Great Patriotic War. 622 01:06:16,540 --> 01:06:20,299 And here's our last exhibit, the Degtyaryov machine gun. 623 01:06:20,460 --> 01:06:25,499 It has the same cartridge as the Mosin and the SVT. It holds 75 bullets. 624 01:07:19,260 --> 01:07:23,739 - Is everything good in school? - No, there's nothing good there. 625 01:07:37,660 --> 01:07:40,139 Good day! 626 01:07:40,300 --> 01:07:44,699 Happy birthday! Help me with the flowers. 627 01:07:44,860 --> 01:07:49,339 And a present for you as well. 628 01:07:50,300 --> 01:07:52,059 Good. 629 01:07:52,220 --> 01:07:56,059 Maybe I will stop by your place tonight. 630 01:07:56,220 --> 01:07:58,079 Forget it. 631 01:08:03,820 --> 01:08:09,979 Today's training will help students develop 632 01:08:10,140 --> 01:08:16,699 the morale required for military service. 633 01:08:26,140 --> 01:08:30,699 Pasha, my brother Kostya called crying yesterday about huge losses over there. 634 01:08:30,860 --> 01:08:33,819 Actually crying? 635 01:08:33,980 --> 01:08:37,659 He recorded a voice message on WhatsApp. 636 01:08:37,820 --> 01:08:43,019 He told the whole family that he ts alive and OK. 637 01:08:43,180 --> 01:08:48,539 But also he talked about huge losses and his voice started trembling by the end... 638 01:08:48,700 --> 01:08:53,019 - Can't he leave? - He wants to really bad. 639 01:08:53,180 --> 01:09:00,219 Is there any way he can officially leave this war? 640 01:09:00,380 --> 01:09:04,219 I don't think so, it's not like they give holiday time. 641 01:09:04,380 --> 01:09:07,499 - Is he on contract or mobilised? - Mobilised. 642 01:09:07,660 --> 01:09:12,339 He can't say "demobilise" me? 643 01:09:12,500 --> 01:09:16,699 It doesn't work that way, no one is going to let him go. 644 01:09:16,860 --> 01:09:22,099 It's horrifying, I am scared. 645 01:09:26,140 --> 01:09:32,539 All of you will die, but know one thing: 646 01:09:32,540 --> 01:09:37,939 Mother Russia will never forget us! 647 01:09:37,940 --> 01:09:47,019 Flowers will be brought to all of our headstones for centuries! 648 01:09:47,020 --> 01:09:55,819 Every warrior's name will be carved into memorial plaques! 649 01:09:55,820 --> 01:09:58,139 Eternal flames will be lit for all of us! 650 01:10:01,500 --> 01:10:07,499 The war has become Europe's bloodiest since World War Two. 651 01:10:08,540 --> 01:10:11,419 By the summer of 2024, 652 01:10:11,580 --> 01:10:17,139 Putin's strategy was to throw soldiers at the Ukrainian frontlines. 653 01:10:17,300 --> 01:10:24,779 Russia slowly made territorial gains, a few square kilometers here and there, 654 01:10:24,940 --> 01:10:29,419 costing 1000 soldiers’ lives every day. 655 01:10:31,900 --> 01:10:37,899 Yet there is no shortage of conscripts from Karabash. 656 01:10:38,060 --> 01:10:42,459 The kids have been taught well by their teachers. 657 01:10:47,380 --> 01:10:49,819 It feels like yesterday 658 01:10:49,980 --> 01:10:54,139 I filmed Nikita getting a McDonald's shirt for his birthday. 659 01:10:55,860 --> 01:11:01,179 Nikita! What can I say, you're starting a new chapter in your life. 660 01:11:01,340 --> 01:11:05,979 You are becoming more manly. 661 01:11:06,140 --> 01:11:12,179 I am wishing you endurance, happiness and health, that's the most important. 662 01:11:12,340 --> 01:11:19,419 If you ever have any problems, your friends will always have your back. 663 01:11:27,020 --> 01:11:32,379 Pull the trigger, take position, the correct one, then shoot 4 times. 664 01:11:39,900 --> 01:11:44,219 "I will see you when you get back." "See you In a year." 665 01:11:45,260 --> 01:11:50,219 But some guys will never come home. 666 01:11:57,500 --> 01:12:01,819 Artyom was my friend from my own graduation class. 667 01:12:01,980 --> 01:12:05,939 He's one of many who lost their lives, 668 01:12:06,100 --> 01:12:10,059 and whose deaths were covered up by the state. 669 01:12:10,220 --> 01:12:17,499 The death numbers of this war are highly sensitive information for the regime. 670 01:12:19,220 --> 01:12:23,659 Filming Russian soldiers’ funerals IS too risky. 671 01:12:23,820 --> 01:12:30,619 But I think it's important so I recorded the sound. 672 01:12:42,140 --> 01:12:45,099 Attention please. 673 01:12:45,260 --> 01:12:52,339 On the 30th of April, Russian Citizen Artyom Volkov died. 674 01:12:56,300 --> 01:13:02,539 During the liberation of Artyomovsk of the Donetsk People's Republic. 675 01:13:09,660 --> 01:13:13,419 Artyom! 676 01:13:15,060 --> 01:13:17,899 Artyom! 677 01:13:20,640 --> 01:13:24,059 My sweet boy! 678 01:13:35,580 --> 01:13:38,899 No, no, no. 679 01:13:41,500 --> 01:13:43,499 Zhenya, hold mom. 680 01:13:43,680 --> 01:13:47,259 Why didn't you let me come close to him? 681 01:13:48,380 --> 01:13:51,699 My little Artyom! 682 01:13:56,620 --> 01:14:04,499 I know the situation here is incomparable to what's happening in Ukraine. 683 01:14:05,740 --> 01:14:11,099 But there are more and more people suffering here because of the war. 684 01:14:12,300 --> 01:14:18,939 And there is nowhere in school that the trauma doesn't reach. 685 01:14:23,100 --> 01:14:27,379 The kindest boy, Igor, who lost his father. 686 01:14:30,100 --> 01:14:37,499 Kristina from school security who lost her boyfriend. 687 01:14:41,180 --> 01:14:47,379 And so many brothers in harm's way. 688 01:14:54,140 --> 01:14:59,099 Masha's brother Kostya was deployed to Ukraine during the mobilisation. 689 01:14:59,260 --> 01:15:03,219 He recently defected from the army 690 01:15:03,380 --> 01:15:08,219 only to be captured and taken back to Ukraine. 691 01:15:08,380 --> 01:15:15,859 A few weeks later, his family got a call that he was dead. 692 01:15:16,860 --> 01:15:21,299 - Do you miss him? - Of course, everybody does. 693 01:15:22,940 --> 01:15:26,619 We never ended up having a good talk about her brother. 694 01:15:27,900 --> 01:15:32,699 In some ways that's what hurt me the most. 695 01:15:34,540 --> 01:15:38,699 Masha was always seeking a place to be free. 696 01:15:38,880 --> 01:15:43,539 To unload her feelings without fear or prejudice. 697 01:15:45,660 --> 01:15:51,339 But I have to admit it feels like something has changed. 698 01:15:57,900 --> 01:16:02,459 More and more, students have started to fear my classroom. 699 01:16:02,620 --> 01:16:08,539 They don't wish to be seen with the guy who hangs the democracy flags. 700 01:16:08,700 --> 01:16:11,099 And so they don't come. 701 01:16:19,420 --> 01:16:23,259 But perhaps the students are smart to avoid me. 702 01:16:25,900 --> 01:16:31,219 One day a police car appears outside my window. 703 01:16:31,380 --> 01:16:35,579 In a small town like Karabash, this is suspicious. 704 01:16:35,740 --> 01:16:40,819 I hide my hard drives and passwords in case something happens. 705 01:16:40,980 --> 01:16:45,499 Here... is where they're hidden. 706 01:16:49,820 --> 01:16:55,739 I want people in Russia and my hometown 707 01:16:55,900 --> 01:17:01,979 to see the material I recorded. 708 01:17:06,620 --> 01:17:12,499 For all that was said and done in this film, 709 01:17:12,660 --> 01:17:18,579 surely I will get beaten or put in jail. 710 01:17:18,740 --> 01:17:22,859 If we were a free country 711 01:17:23,020 --> 01:17:30,299 with the freedom to say what needs to be said... 712 01:17:31,980 --> 01:17:34,939 ...I wouldn't need to leave Russia. 713 01:17:40,620 --> 01:17:43,059 This departure... 714 01:17:45,500 --> 01:17:47,979 It's... 715 01:17:50,060 --> 01:17:52,059 It's... 716 01:18:03,420 --> 01:18:06,619 - How ts your brother Vanya doing? - He is OK. 717 01:18:06,780 --> 01:18:11,579 - Does he call you? Is he still there? - Yes. He has become a captain. 718 01:18:11,740 --> 01:18:15,219 - Oh, a captain! - Yes. 719 01:18:19,860 --> 01:18:25,339 I go to the library for a sort of farewell. 720 01:18:26,540 --> 01:18:29,899 Let me film you repairing the books. 721 01:18:31,680 --> 01:18:34,699 They're all torn. 722 01:18:36,940 --> 01:18:39,739 Tell me what you're doing. 723 01:18:39,900 --> 01:18:42,859 Fixing the cover. 724 01:18:45,260 --> 01:18:50,539 Who in the world knows that you fix these books? 725 01:18:50,700 --> 01:18:53,259 Do you tell the kids about it? 726 01:18:56,020 --> 01:18:59,699 I'm bringing a plant... 727 01:19:02,100 --> 01:19:05,179 ...to your house. 728 01:19:05,340 --> 01:19:11,099 If it dies, OK. But if it lives I'll be really happy. 729 01:19:20,860 --> 01:19:25,019 - What do you think? - What can I think? 730 01:19:31,833 --> 01:19:35,259 I think she senses that I am leaving 731 01:19:35,353 --> 01:19:38,739 but not that it will be forever. 732 01:19:38,900 --> 01:19:43,859 It's impossible to say the words to someone you love so much. 733 01:20:40,540 --> 01:20:43,179 ..almost everything about this place. 734 01:20:44,300 --> 01:20:48,019 I love the gray Soviet buildings. 735 01:20:49,180 --> 01:20:56,059 I love the maze of pipes coming from the copper plant. 736 01:20:56,220 --> 01:20:59,579 Pipes, pipes, pipes... 737 01:21:08,540 --> 01:21:11,259 I love thunder and storms. 738 01:21:35,260 --> 01:21:38,619 P, it's time to talk about your departure. 739 01:21:38,780 --> 01:21:44,059 Before you cross the border, you must delete our secure messaging app. 740 01:21:44,220 --> 01:21:49,739 Be careful about how you take your footage past border control. Just be calm 741 01:21:49,900 --> 01:21:54,459 You have a return ticket. They'll think you are returning in seven days. 742 01:21:54,620 --> 01:21:59,699 I think what you've done Is going to make a big impact. 743 01:22:05,340 --> 01:22:08,539 One last task before I leave. 744 01:22:18,060 --> 01:22:22,379 This year for our graduation ceremony, 745 01:22:22,540 --> 01:22:26,899 a young tree is to be dug up and planted at school. 746 01:22:28,220 --> 01:22:31,539 A symbol of new beginnings. 747 01:22:53,180 --> 01:22:57,179 Today, I am the event coordinator at Karabash Primary School 748 01:22:57,340 --> 01:23:02,059 and it's my responsibility to organise the graduation ceremony. 749 01:23:02,220 --> 01:23:07,499 The diplomas were printed. The speeches were written. 750 01:23:07,660 --> 01:23:12,059 I did these tasks to the best of my abilities. 751 01:23:13,620 --> 01:23:18,459 Make your destiny with your own hands. Go against the wind. Don't stand still. 752 01:23:18,620 --> 01:23:21,979 There is no simple way. 753 01:23:29,020 --> 01:23:31,099 Dear friends! 754 01:23:32,020 --> 01:23:35,039 Dear graduates, 755 01:23:35,200 --> 01:23:37,659 parents, 756 01:23:37,820 --> 01:23:41,139 and teachers! 757 01:23:41,300 --> 01:23:48,819 In a very short while your children, your students, 758 01:23:48,980 --> 01:23:52,499 your brothers and sisters, 759 01:23:52,660 --> 01:23:57,579 your closest people, your family 760 01:23:57,740 --> 01:24:02,619 will hear their school bell for the last time. 761 01:24:02,780 --> 01:24:07,979 And this will signify the beginning of real adult life for them. 762 01:24:09,500 --> 01:24:14,459 I'd like to take this opportunity, my dear friends, 763 01:24:14,620 --> 01:24:21,419 to say how great it is to be able to actually call you my dear friends. 764 01:24:26,300 --> 01:24:30,139 Wherever your life takes you, 765 01:24:30,300 --> 01:24:33,659 I wish you 766 01:24:33,900 --> 01:24:37,619 solid ground under your feet. 767 01:24:41,460 --> 01:24:44,459 Yes, there'll be turns. 768 01:24:44,660 --> 01:24:49,899 Yes, there'll be ups and downs. 769 01:24:50,060 --> 01:24:56,299 Yes, there'll be crossroads and turning points, you'll have to choose. 770 01:24:58,460 --> 01:25:02,419 Sometimes to do the right thing... And sometimes 771 01:25:02,580 --> 01:25:08,179 to express your love, you must sacrifice everything. 772 01:25:11,180 --> 01:25:16,179 But I know that your choice will come from your heart. 773 01:25:16,340 --> 01:25:18,259 I love you very much. 774 01:25:18,420 --> 01:25:23,259 Thank you so much for working with me 775 01:25:23,500 --> 01:25:27,819 throughout these years. 776 01:25:27,980 --> 01:25:35,259 I love you very much. The time for the last bell has come. 777 01:25:49,580 --> 01:25:55,579 We were all united by a deep recognition of what we were leaving behind. 778 01:25:55,740 --> 01:26:00,619 And utter blindness towards what the next steps actually mean. 779 01:26:00,780 --> 01:26:03,579 It can't be here, why am I even searching? 780 01:26:03,740 --> 01:26:07,179 Thank you for giving us your warmth and support. 781 01:26:07,340 --> 01:26:11,339 You supported us during the hard times and were always here for us. 782 01:26:11,500 --> 01:26:14,299 This is my passport. 783 01:26:16,540 --> 01:26:18,139 Holy shit! 784 01:26:19,380 --> 01:26:25,879 We all held each other once more, dancing in the most toxic town on earth. 785 01:26:34,380 --> 01:26:37,739 And you could almost smell the clean Ural mountain air 786 01:26:37,900 --> 01:26:40,939 through the poisonous fumes.