1 00:00:46,040 --> 00:00:49,160 P, it's time to talk about your departure. 2 00:00:53,360 --> 00:00:57,840 Before you cross the border, you must delete our secure messaging app. 3 00:00:58,000 --> 00:01:00,400 Yeah. 4 00:01:02,160 --> 00:01:06,560 You need to be very careful about how you take your footage past border control. 5 00:01:14,240 --> 00:01:16,200 Just be calm. 6 00:01:24,520 --> 00:01:29,360 You have a return ticket. They'll think you are returning in 7 days. 7 00:01:32,200 --> 00:01:34,520 Just believe in yourself. 8 00:01:40,240 --> 00:01:44,640 I think what you've done is going to make a big impact. 9 00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:17,640 ♪ Sun up high, bright blue sky ♪ 10 00:02:17,800 --> 00:02:21,600 ♪ That was the little boy's picture ♪ 11 00:02:21,760 --> 00:02:25,200 ♪ He drew it on a piece of paper ♪ 12 00:02:25,360 --> 00:02:28,360 ♪ And wrote in the corner ♪ 13 00:02:28,520 --> 00:02:32,040 ♪ May there always be sunshine ♪ 14 00:02:32,200 --> 00:02:35,200 ♪ May there always be a sky ♪ 15 00:02:37,400 --> 00:02:39,840 Hello. This is me. 16 00:02:40,680 --> 00:02:46,640 In this moment I have no idea the amount of trouble I'm about to cause for myself. 17 00:02:58,400 --> 00:03:03,080 -Good day, students. -Pasha, this is not the best time. 18 00:03:03,240 --> 00:03:09,160 I am the event coordinator and Karabash Primary School 19 00:03:10,160 --> 00:03:11,520 First... 20 00:03:12,800 --> 00:03:16,960 I am also the school videographer. 21 00:03:17,120 --> 00:03:22,320 Together with a group of students, I shoot all major events in the school. 22 00:03:24,360 --> 00:03:27,400 My place of employment is the biggest school 23 00:03:27,560 --> 00:03:30,840 in what is a very small town. 24 00:03:31,000 --> 00:03:33,960 The population here is only 10,000. 25 00:03:36,400 --> 00:03:40,920 The town is nestled deep in the Ural mountain region. 26 00:03:49,040 --> 00:03:51,960 This is Russia's industrial heartland. 27 00:03:52,120 --> 00:03:56,000 Life here revolves around the copper smelting plant. 28 00:03:56,160 --> 00:04:02,000 In fact, we are world famous because of this plant. 29 00:04:02,160 --> 00:04:06,840 People come from everywhere to see the town 30 00:04:07,000 --> 00:04:11,920 that UNESCO once called the most toxic place on Earth. 31 00:04:12,080 --> 00:04:17,320 The most polluted town in Ural, with an average life expectancy of 38 years. 32 00:04:17,480 --> 00:04:21,880 It's so like post-apocalyptic here. There's random stinking gasses. 33 00:04:22,040 --> 00:04:26,280 It's the most depressing place I've ever been. The air... Oh, man, it stinks. 34 00:04:26,440 --> 00:04:30,760 There's a high rate of mortality from cancer, lung diseases 35 00:04:30,920 --> 00:04:33,480 and other diseases. Wow. 36 00:04:33,640 --> 00:04:36,920 Welcome to Karabash. 37 00:04:37,880 --> 00:04:42,120 That's the way the world sees my hometown. 38 00:04:42,280 --> 00:04:46,640 But the reality is that it's not so bad here. 39 00:04:47,760 --> 00:04:51,640 And as the event coordinator at the school, 40 00:04:51,800 --> 00:04:56,320 I can make sure the kids always have something to look forward to. 41 00:04:59,040 --> 00:05:01,720 There is cake for everyone. 42 00:05:07,720 --> 00:05:12,520 What I like about my job is being able to be there for my students. 43 00:05:19,600 --> 00:05:23,560 Helping them open their minds. Express themselves. 44 00:05:23,720 --> 00:05:28,400 And just giving them the space to be kids. 45 00:05:29,280 --> 00:05:33,880 ♪ Even though it's far from great But I try my best on my guitar... ♪ 46 00:05:35,480 --> 00:05:40,080 Although sometimes I mess everything up. I hope the kids forgive me 47 00:05:40,240 --> 00:05:45,600 for not bringing an extra battery for their music video shoot. 48 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:55,760 As a graduate of this school myself, I'm fond of this place. 49 00:05:58,200 --> 00:06:02,760 And I hope the people here like me too. 50 00:06:03,840 --> 00:06:07,040 -Do you want some cabbage soup? -No, thanks. 51 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:09,200 Your cabbage soup is not very good. 52 00:06:09,360 --> 00:06:13,600 The best soup is from the "Sushi-Pizza" restaurant. 53 00:06:13,760 --> 00:06:16,800 Get out of here! You and your sushi-pizza. 54 00:06:24,000 --> 00:06:29,480 But I also have my ways of winning people over. 55 00:06:31,360 --> 00:06:34,880 Good morning. I would like some flowers. 56 00:06:42,840 --> 00:06:45,600 Hi, Miss Librarian! 57 00:06:48,440 --> 00:06:50,640 A present? I knew it! 58 00:06:50,800 --> 00:06:54,080 I brought you flowers. Happy birthday, Mom. 59 00:06:54,240 --> 00:06:59,720 This is my mom. I love her very much but I've never told her. 60 00:06:59,880 --> 00:07:03,680 Let the flowers speak for me. 61 00:07:03,840 --> 00:07:07,080 -You are filming this? -Yes. 62 00:07:17,680 --> 00:07:21,880 It was in February of 2022 63 00:07:22,040 --> 00:07:25,720 when my job was to change drastically. 64 00:07:29,640 --> 00:07:32,560 This is the news on the First Channel. 65 00:07:32,720 --> 00:07:36,720 According to Vladimir Putin, Russia will conduct a special military operation. 66 00:07:36,880 --> 00:07:39,560 With the consent of the Russian Federation Council 67 00:07:39,720 --> 00:07:43,880 and in accordance with the ratified agreement of February 22, 2022 68 00:07:44,040 --> 00:07:47,080 regarding friendship and mutual aid 69 00:07:47,240 --> 00:07:52,160 with Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic 70 00:07:52,320 --> 00:07:56,640 I decided to conduct a special military operation. 71 00:08:47,080 --> 00:08:52,280 NEW FEDERAL PATRIOTIC EDUCATION POLICY 72 00:08:58,000 --> 00:09:00,640 Hello? 73 00:09:01,400 --> 00:09:06,400 Are there special orders? I don't understand what's happening at all. 74 00:09:06,560 --> 00:09:12,720 We need to get the kids to recite some patriotic songs and speeches. 75 00:09:12,880 --> 00:09:15,600 You need to film it. 76 00:09:15,760 --> 00:09:20,000 We also need to film the children reciting poems about our victory. 77 00:09:20,160 --> 00:09:25,200 -Are we completely fucked up? -It just came from above. 78 00:09:25,360 --> 00:09:27,800 Damn. How do we actually do this? 79 00:09:27,960 --> 00:09:31,080 -No idea. -OK. 80 00:09:31,240 --> 00:09:35,160 Fuck! It hurts! OK, see you. 81 00:09:37,720 --> 00:09:39,560 Fuck! 82 00:09:40,480 --> 00:09:43,360 Present the flag. 83 00:09:53,480 --> 00:09:59,560 A new patriotic curriculum supporting the war will now be introduced in our school. 84 00:10:00,880 --> 00:10:05,160 Lessons, songs, morning drills... 85 00:10:05,320 --> 00:10:09,680 I was instructed to shoot all the events... 86 00:10:11,920 --> 00:10:15,120 Place the flag. 87 00:10:15,280 --> 00:10:22,280 As proof that the school is complying with government orders. 88 00:10:27,720 --> 00:10:32,080 During the first days, I darted from one classroom to the next 89 00:10:32,240 --> 00:10:35,120 recording scripted lesson after scripted lesson. 90 00:10:37,400 --> 00:10:42,360 The workload was so huge, I had to ask for assistance in filming. 91 00:10:43,520 --> 00:10:49,360 State policy in Ukraine is decided by radicals, nationalists, and... 92 00:10:50,440 --> 00:10:55,840 neo-Nazis. Everything that unites us have been brought under attack. 93 00:10:56,760 --> 00:11:02,800 In February 2022, he took part in a special operation for demil... 94 00:11:04,600 --> 00:11:06,680 Demilitarization. 95 00:11:07,560 --> 00:11:13,120 For demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine as a part of... 96 00:11:13,280 --> 00:11:17,320 -Let's repeat it. -Do I start from the beginning or? 97 00:11:17,480 --> 00:11:22,000 No, only from these words, starting from "he took part in"... 98 00:11:22,160 --> 00:11:28,240 In February 2022, he took part in a special operation for demilitar... 99 00:11:28,400 --> 00:11:30,680 Just say "denazification". 100 00:11:30,840 --> 00:11:35,960 Some were struggling with the new words of the curriculum. 101 00:11:37,800 --> 00:11:40,480 Others, like Abdulmanov here, 102 00:11:40,640 --> 00:11:43,880 delivered the lessons with the passion of a true believer. 103 00:11:44,040 --> 00:11:47,840 The next point is the economy. 104 00:11:48,000 --> 00:11:51,680 The economic component of hybrid warfare. 105 00:11:51,840 --> 00:11:55,080 These are the sanctions against our country. 106 00:11:55,240 --> 00:11:58,080 You already know 107 00:11:58,240 --> 00:12:05,080 that Europe, not Russia, is suffering the most from these sanctions now. 108 00:12:05,240 --> 00:12:09,720 Without energy, that is, without our gas, oil and so on. 109 00:12:09,880 --> 00:12:14,600 In France, to fill the tank with petrol, 110 00:12:14,760 --> 00:12:20,160 you need more than 150 euros. 111 00:12:21,400 --> 00:12:24,240 So the French will soon be like musketeers, 112 00:12:24,400 --> 00:12:27,400 riding horses, and the rest of Europe too. 113 00:12:27,560 --> 00:12:30,960 There are no local agricultural products 114 00:12:31,120 --> 00:12:34,520 in Europe or in most other countries. 115 00:12:34,680 --> 00:12:37,920 That is, no wheat, oils, and so on. 116 00:12:38,080 --> 00:12:43,200 Well, again, in France, OK, they're used to eating oysters and frogs. 117 00:12:43,360 --> 00:12:47,160 They will last for some time, but what about the others, like England? 118 00:12:47,320 --> 00:12:50,520 England, you remember, is a tiny island. 119 00:12:50,680 --> 00:12:54,760 They killed their own people during World War II. 120 00:12:54,920 --> 00:12:59,880 In the USA, there are demonstrations supporting Russia. 121 00:13:00,040 --> 00:13:05,000 As I said, we could destroy Ukraine in a couple of days. 122 00:13:09,640 --> 00:13:11,040 Thank you. 123 00:13:11,200 --> 00:13:17,320 Few of us were prepared for such an intervention in our freedom to teach. 124 00:13:19,240 --> 00:13:23,280 The hours when I used to focus on the kids 125 00:13:23,440 --> 00:13:30,120 are now spent uploading these videos onto some mysterious government database. 126 00:13:41,960 --> 00:13:47,160 This is my home. It's a 2-bedroom in the city center. 127 00:13:48,200 --> 00:13:51,720 Here, I have 427 books. 128 00:13:51,880 --> 00:13:54,600 All carefully arranged in color order. 129 00:13:55,440 --> 00:13:57,440 A pet parrot. 130 00:13:58,680 --> 00:14:01,440 A dog named Nebraska. 131 00:14:01,600 --> 00:14:03,920 And lots of memories... 132 00:14:15,080 --> 00:14:20,000 As a young student, I knew I was different from the other boys 133 00:14:20,160 --> 00:14:23,240 even if I had no idea why. 134 00:14:25,320 --> 00:14:29,800 Maybe this is why I was always alone. 135 00:14:32,920 --> 00:14:36,840 I was also lonely at home. 136 00:14:37,720 --> 00:14:41,520 When I was 9, my father drowned in a lake 137 00:14:41,680 --> 00:14:46,960 leaving my mother to raise me and my siblings on her own. 138 00:14:48,880 --> 00:14:54,400 Here at the school, I can create my own family. 139 00:15:02,880 --> 00:15:07,640 What I've tried to create in my office is simple. 140 00:15:08,800 --> 00:15:13,960 Exactly the kind of place that I wish existed when I was a student. 141 00:16:06,400 --> 00:16:09,840 This office here is a pillar of democracy 142 00:16:10,000 --> 00:16:13,920 in our entire non-democratic world. 143 00:16:14,080 --> 00:16:17,680 Students can always come in here. 144 00:16:18,680 --> 00:16:22,880 Even if it's closed, one can unlock it with almost any key. 145 00:16:23,040 --> 00:16:25,840 Go ahead, film the flag. 146 00:16:43,080 --> 00:16:45,200 No, it won't fall out. 147 00:16:45,360 --> 00:16:49,640 What Evgenia Vladimirovna will tell you, she is forced to say. 148 00:16:49,800 --> 00:16:53,640 Were you forced? Blink twice if you were forced. 149 00:16:53,800 --> 00:16:59,840 -We need to save Evgenia Vladimirovna. -Let me just adjust the balance. 150 00:17:00,000 --> 00:17:03,640 All of us together must help each other and our army 151 00:17:03,800 --> 00:17:08,880 with understanding, support, and mindful attitude towards everything that happens. 152 00:17:11,120 --> 00:17:15,480 Every day, there were new mandatory lessons. 153 00:17:15,640 --> 00:17:21,120 It felt like us teachers were being forced to fight this war too. 154 00:17:22,200 --> 00:17:26,760 How many of you already know about the Crimean spring? Yes, Alexander? 155 00:17:26,920 --> 00:17:31,280 -Crimea joined Russia. -So, Crimea joined Russia, then? 156 00:17:32,160 --> 00:17:37,760 Crimea left Russia... Oh, left Ukraine and joined Russia. 157 00:17:37,920 --> 00:17:41,040 How smart you are, you all know. 158 00:17:41,200 --> 00:17:43,880 Why did the Crimean people want to join Russia? 159 00:17:44,040 --> 00:17:48,240 Because the Ukrainians didn't give money for infrastructure, 160 00:17:48,400 --> 00:17:50,680 so they decided to join us. 161 00:17:50,840 --> 00:17:55,440 Those who wear the floral crowns, please wave to the camera. 162 00:17:55,600 --> 00:17:58,040 And a wide smile. 163 00:18:19,240 --> 00:18:23,440 I'm exhausted from all the extra propaganda work. 164 00:18:32,920 --> 00:18:37,440 Then I see a post from a Russian web content company. 165 00:18:37,600 --> 00:18:43,440 "Casting call. Has your job been affected by the special military operation?" 166 00:18:44,360 --> 00:18:50,080 I surprise myself by sending them an overly long email: 167 00:18:56,400 --> 00:19:01,720 "I'm writing to you because I think I would be a good candidate for your show." 168 00:19:03,320 --> 00:19:10,120 "I am a teacher forced to do the exact opposite of what a teacher should do." 169 00:19:10,280 --> 00:19:13,400 "Using my own resources as school videographer, 170 00:19:13,560 --> 00:19:17,280 I have already been documenting things here." 171 00:19:18,080 --> 00:19:21,160 "I await your reply." 172 00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:35,320 Happy birthday! Happy birthday! 173 00:19:36,680 --> 00:19:38,480 Happy birthday. 174 00:19:38,640 --> 00:19:44,080 The students who pass through my office become family. 175 00:19:45,000 --> 00:19:48,360 Like this group of graduates from last year. 176 00:19:48,520 --> 00:19:51,360 But I'm worried for them. 177 00:19:51,520 --> 00:19:55,240 One, two, three. Karabash! 178 00:19:56,640 --> 00:20:00,800 -I don't have time to study. -I am in danger of flunking, too. 179 00:20:00,960 --> 00:20:04,160 If you flunk out, you might end up dead in Ukraine. 180 00:20:05,960 --> 00:20:09,720 They're making my sister in first grade learn war poems. 181 00:20:09,880 --> 00:20:13,120 They make her learn those too. I asked, "Why are you learning this?" 182 00:20:13,280 --> 00:20:16,040 She says, "I was told to do it to support the army." 183 00:20:16,200 --> 00:20:20,640 -Not like she knows what war is. -No, they don't need to know what it is. 184 00:20:21,680 --> 00:20:26,680 I got you a McDonald's t-shirt! Brand merch, my gift to Nikita. 185 00:20:33,320 --> 00:20:36,240 ♪ A slow dance to make you cry ♪ 186 00:20:38,720 --> 00:20:41,360 ♪ Even though they all sound the same ♪ 187 00:20:52,320 --> 00:20:54,560 Mom, do you know what's happening? 188 00:20:54,720 --> 00:20:58,760 Like, what they have to learn in the 11th grade? 189 00:20:58,920 --> 00:21:03,720 Heroes of the special military operation! 190 00:21:03,880 --> 00:21:07,480 So what? There are boys at war. 191 00:21:07,640 --> 00:21:09,800 Young boys. 192 00:21:09,960 --> 00:21:13,320 It's only natural for boys to go to war! 193 00:21:13,480 --> 00:21:17,200 -I don't like that kind of nature. -You're different. 194 00:21:17,360 --> 00:21:23,000 Our country wants a lot of things. There is no need to start a war for this. 195 00:21:23,160 --> 00:21:25,520 I understand you perfectly. 196 00:21:25,680 --> 00:21:30,400 One idiot decides to do this, and the whole world is now afraid. 197 00:21:30,560 --> 00:21:32,520 Idiot. 198 00:21:32,680 --> 00:21:38,040 It would have been better if he just sat at his desk and did nothing! 199 00:21:38,200 --> 00:21:43,280 I am sorry, but people love war. They want to shoot each other. 200 00:21:43,440 --> 00:21:49,440 It's always been like that. And our people were in all the battles. Always. 201 00:21:49,600 --> 00:21:52,040 People love to shoot each other. 202 00:21:52,200 --> 00:21:55,960 Turn on your brain sometimes. It's useful. 203 00:21:57,840 --> 00:22:01,160 Take some sweets, son. 204 00:22:15,960 --> 00:22:17,960 Beautiful. 205 00:22:20,360 --> 00:22:25,400 Somewhere along the line, I get sick of having no one to talk to. 206 00:22:26,840 --> 00:22:29,800 So I start talking to my own camera. 207 00:22:42,920 --> 00:22:49,320 It's a very unpleasant feeling. 208 00:22:51,480 --> 00:22:56,240 It's like you are in a room 209 00:22:56,400 --> 00:23:01,520 and all walls are closing in on you. 210 00:23:01,680 --> 00:23:05,440 The air is running out. 211 00:23:07,040 --> 00:23:13,440 And you are so aware that you cannot change anything. 212 00:23:13,600 --> 00:23:18,280 That you remain trapped in this system. 213 00:23:22,880 --> 00:23:28,800 I love my job, but I don't want to be a pawn of the regime. 214 00:23:56,920 --> 00:24:02,640 I'm resigning my position as event coordinator at Karabash Primary School. 215 00:24:06,880 --> 00:24:10,400 Whatever repercussions come of this, so be it. 216 00:24:12,960 --> 00:24:16,720 Even a guy like me should have some principles. 217 00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:25,480 I walk into the administration and submit the resignation letter. 218 00:24:29,880 --> 00:24:33,440 By June, I am done here. 219 00:25:07,120 --> 00:25:11,600 Sometimes I get asked to film things outside of school. 220 00:25:12,680 --> 00:25:16,640 And today I'm filming a pro-war rally. 221 00:25:17,600 --> 00:25:21,120 I feel like for now I must play along. 222 00:25:27,200 --> 00:25:31,040 Come stand with us. Right here. 223 00:25:34,280 --> 00:25:37,280 WE DON'T ABANDON OUR PEOPLE 224 00:25:43,120 --> 00:25:48,400 I feel like I'm an alien in my own town. But of course, it's not just here. 225 00:25:48,560 --> 00:25:52,640 Around the country, the drums of war beat wildly. 226 00:25:52,800 --> 00:25:57,680 If we need to turn Kyiv into ruins and put our flag on top of these ruins 227 00:25:57,840 --> 00:25:59,720 then this must be done. 228 00:26:01,320 --> 00:26:04,320 The rally in Karabash is just part of a larger national information war. 229 00:26:04,480 --> 00:26:08,880 This operation is about revenge. We strike precisely for revenge. 230 00:26:09,040 --> 00:26:12,360 This is a manifestation of our hate, a totally holy hate. 231 00:26:12,520 --> 00:26:15,040 We shouldn't kill them out of hate. 232 00:26:15,960 --> 00:26:20,120 We must kill them out of love, love for our children. 233 00:26:20,280 --> 00:26:23,760 ♪ Ah, Mother Russia ♪ 234 00:26:23,920 --> 00:26:27,440 ♪ Our nuclear missiles Are ready for battle ♪ 235 00:26:27,600 --> 00:26:32,760 ♪ Trust us, grandmother, With the red banner ♪ 236 00:26:32,920 --> 00:26:36,040 No to the war! No to the war! 237 00:26:36,200 --> 00:26:40,480 Of course there were the anti-war protestors in some larger cities. 238 00:26:42,280 --> 00:26:45,840 Stop the war! No to the war! 239 00:26:46,000 --> 00:26:51,560 Media personnel, step aside. 240 00:26:51,720 --> 00:26:55,360 I wish I could be as brave as them. 241 00:26:56,720 --> 00:26:59,960 But I'm not. 242 00:27:00,120 --> 00:27:04,760 And this goes for everyone in this town. 243 00:27:13,560 --> 00:27:17,800 -Is there anyone against the war? -No, we do not know anyone. 244 00:27:17,960 --> 00:27:22,080 Among our social circle, there are none of that kind. 245 00:27:22,240 --> 00:27:26,120 They won't even dare to be "against". 246 00:27:36,440 --> 00:27:43,080 After the rally, I see what the town has done with my footage. 247 00:27:44,640 --> 00:27:49,840 It's a multimedia exhibit at the town library. 248 00:27:54,040 --> 00:27:58,800 I look into the eyes of the kids watching my creation. 249 00:28:03,880 --> 00:28:08,000 I am these kids' propagandist. 250 00:28:15,640 --> 00:28:22,120 Luckily I brought my universal remote, so I could turn off the bullshit. 251 00:28:40,960 --> 00:28:46,160 All of a sudden, I received the strangest message ever. 252 00:28:47,640 --> 00:28:52,320 The Instagram post I randomly responded to has paid off. 253 00:28:52,480 --> 00:28:54,480 And now... 254 00:28:56,480 --> 00:29:01,600 "Dear Pasha, I am from Europe working in documentary films." 255 00:29:01,760 --> 00:29:06,080 "Your contact information was given to me by a friend in Russia." 256 00:29:06,240 --> 00:29:08,840 "I want to talk about your idea 257 00:29:09,000 --> 00:29:13,360 to film a story about how the war is affecting your school." 258 00:29:17,480 --> 00:29:24,360 When I sent that pitch, I knew no one in Russia could legally cover this story. 259 00:29:25,320 --> 00:29:29,480 But now a foreigner enters the scene offering support. 260 00:29:31,200 --> 00:29:34,600 I spend all night thinking about his offer 261 00:29:34,760 --> 00:29:37,960 to help show my material to the world. 262 00:29:46,520 --> 00:29:48,520 Let's do this. 263 00:29:52,360 --> 00:29:56,680 My job already involves filming everything around the school. 264 00:29:56,840 --> 00:29:59,720 It's the perfect cover. 265 00:30:00,880 --> 00:30:06,280 Why resign my position when it's the perfect way to make a film here? 266 00:30:06,440 --> 00:30:10,720 I go to the school administration and take back my resignation. 267 00:30:27,280 --> 00:30:30,920 Now I'm not only a school videographer. 268 00:30:31,080 --> 00:30:34,840 Now, I'm a film director. 269 00:30:35,000 --> 00:30:40,000 And I'll use my camera to film the abyss this school is sinking into. 270 00:30:42,280 --> 00:30:45,560 But where to start? 271 00:30:51,480 --> 00:30:53,720 Attention! 272 00:30:53,880 --> 00:30:55,880 Present the flag. 273 00:31:01,600 --> 00:31:08,040 The new mandatory anthem ceremony is overseen by Pavel Abdulmanov... 274 00:31:09,640 --> 00:31:12,880 representative of the ruling party in our institution. 275 00:31:15,560 --> 00:31:18,080 Now that's interesting. 276 00:31:19,960 --> 00:31:22,320 Why history? 277 00:31:24,120 --> 00:31:30,800 I think that the history of Russia is one of the most important social sciences. 278 00:31:30,960 --> 00:31:36,360 I agree with the saying 279 00:31:36,520 --> 00:31:42,040 that people who have forgotten their history 280 00:31:42,200 --> 00:31:45,200 do not have a future. 281 00:31:46,760 --> 00:31:51,760 Which famous historical figure do you most admire? 282 00:31:55,000 --> 00:31:58,480 I think some of the Soviet officials 283 00:31:58,640 --> 00:32:01,640 from the Soviet era. 284 00:32:03,200 --> 00:32:05,800 Lavrentiy Beria. 285 00:32:06,640 --> 00:32:10,960 Lavrentiy Beria, leader of Stalin's secret police. 286 00:32:11,120 --> 00:32:13,960 Father of the Gulag system. 287 00:32:14,120 --> 00:32:17,920 He was so enthusiastic about the beating of political prisoners 288 00:32:18,080 --> 00:32:22,120 that he would often join in the torture himself during his purges. 289 00:32:22,280 --> 00:32:24,240 Maybe Abakumov. 290 00:32:24,400 --> 00:32:28,400 Viktor Abakumov, Stalin's spy hunter. 291 00:32:28,560 --> 00:32:33,920 Famous for killing countless enemy spies, almost none of which were actually spies. 292 00:32:35,480 --> 00:32:40,320 Definitely Pavel Sudoplatov. 293 00:32:40,480 --> 00:32:46,720 Pavel Sudoplatov. Notable for eliminating Stalin's enemies in creative ways 294 00:32:46,880 --> 00:32:50,680 such as an ice pick straight through Leon Trotsky's head. 295 00:32:50,840 --> 00:32:54,680 And a bomb disguised as a box of chocolates 296 00:32:54,840 --> 00:32:59,640 delivered to a prominent Ukrainian independence fighter. 297 00:32:59,800 --> 00:33:05,040 -Why are these guys your heroes? -I think they had interesting jobs. 298 00:33:05,200 --> 00:33:09,240 How will your students remember you? 299 00:33:09,400 --> 00:33:12,640 As a fun person, I hope. 300 00:33:22,680 --> 00:33:28,800 It's so crucial to eliminate dissenting views 301 00:33:28,960 --> 00:33:32,640 so there is no political split in our country. 302 00:33:32,800 --> 00:33:36,000 You love your motherland out of obligation. 303 00:33:36,160 --> 00:33:38,640 Like how you love your mother. 304 00:33:38,800 --> 00:33:42,160 You love her just because she's your mother. 305 00:33:42,320 --> 00:33:46,240 You love your motherland just because it is your motherland. 306 00:33:47,240 --> 00:33:54,240 If you were born in this country and don't believe we're doing the right thing 307 00:33:55,080 --> 00:34:02,080 then leave. Go to the country that you think is better. 308 00:34:02,960 --> 00:34:08,560 If you live in our country and don't love it, then you're a parasite. Leave. 309 00:34:39,200 --> 00:34:44,560 I can understand Abdulmanov from one side... 310 00:34:46,920 --> 00:34:50,040 because he is brainwashed. 311 00:34:50,200 --> 00:34:52,800 He is so certain that he is correct. 312 00:34:52,960 --> 00:34:55,440 But I worry about... 313 00:34:58,880 --> 00:35:02,040 the kids sitting in front of him. 314 00:35:02,200 --> 00:35:09,200 They haven't yet learned how they should live their lives. 315 00:35:10,560 --> 00:35:14,360 They can't make these decisions yet. 316 00:35:16,360 --> 00:35:21,560 I might love Russia much more than the regime supporters do. 317 00:35:24,880 --> 00:35:30,520 I love when you can open 318 00:35:30,680 --> 00:35:34,720 your balcony door wide open 319 00:35:34,880 --> 00:35:37,600 to get all the fresh air in. 320 00:35:38,680 --> 00:35:43,040 I love when it gets so cold, 321 00:35:43,200 --> 00:35:46,640 it's almost -45 degrees, 322 00:35:46,800 --> 00:35:53,800 and you can only run from one place to another 323 00:35:54,040 --> 00:35:58,480 with a completely red face and a white ice moustache. 324 00:35:58,640 --> 00:36:02,600 I love autumn. 325 00:36:03,720 --> 00:36:06,680 I love everything. 326 00:36:10,520 --> 00:36:13,240 I love the people. 327 00:36:13,400 --> 00:36:18,800 Love for your country is not about putting up a flag. 328 00:36:18,960 --> 00:36:24,880 It is not about singing the anthem either. 329 00:36:26,480 --> 00:36:30,360 It's not about exploitation and propaganda. 330 00:36:30,520 --> 00:36:36,920 Love for your country means saying, "We have a problem." 331 00:37:06,720 --> 00:37:09,280 What are you filming? 332 00:37:11,080 --> 00:37:13,360 -A film. -For what? 333 00:37:13,520 --> 00:37:15,400 BBC. 334 00:37:17,360 --> 00:37:20,240 Ah, well film then. 335 00:37:27,520 --> 00:37:32,440 It's not just my current students who face new challenges. 336 00:37:36,200 --> 00:37:41,200 Many of my former students are at the age for military service. 337 00:37:41,360 --> 00:37:43,960 This is a long-standing tradition 338 00:37:44,120 --> 00:37:48,480 but now it has much darker implications. 339 00:37:50,640 --> 00:37:56,480 This is Vanya. Even after his graduation, he still often comes to my office. 340 00:37:56,640 --> 00:37:59,640 I just came in and these little guys 341 00:37:59,800 --> 00:38:03,560 who used to run and trip over my knees 342 00:38:03,720 --> 00:38:09,000 now they are taller than me, in their graduation costumes. I am in shock. 343 00:38:09,160 --> 00:38:11,160 Why does time fly so fast? 344 00:38:16,320 --> 00:38:22,320 Vanya now works at the liquor store as he figures out his next step. 345 00:38:22,480 --> 00:38:28,400 Maybe I'll move to Chelyabinsk. I am not sure what to do with my life yet. 346 00:38:28,560 --> 00:38:32,880 -Do you have connections there? -No, who the fuck needs me? 347 00:38:34,280 --> 00:38:38,240 You'd better not join the army out of desperation. 348 00:38:38,400 --> 00:38:41,520 -I wanted to. -Did you? Still or not anymore? 349 00:38:41,680 --> 00:38:44,760 I wanted to sign a contract. 350 00:38:50,040 --> 00:38:53,120 It is necessary to support the proposal of the Ministry of Defense 351 00:38:53,280 --> 00:38:58,560 and the General Staff to hold a partial military mobilization in Russia. 352 00:38:58,720 --> 00:39:02,240 The decree on partial mobilization has been signed. 353 00:39:04,480 --> 00:39:08,480 Just like that, everything was about to change again. 354 00:39:12,240 --> 00:39:14,440 Keep it even in the back. 355 00:39:14,600 --> 00:39:19,720 Across the country, regular men were called up for duty. 356 00:39:23,240 --> 00:39:28,720 Now almost all men will live under the constant threat of being sent to war. 357 00:39:30,640 --> 00:39:33,480 Perhaps it was inevitable 358 00:39:33,640 --> 00:39:38,800 that the realities of war would find their way into my little office. 359 00:39:40,600 --> 00:39:45,560 I had the same attitude as my mother in the beginning. 360 00:39:45,720 --> 00:39:50,440 I could care less about the war, as long as it doesn't bother me personally. 361 00:39:50,600 --> 00:39:55,920 This is Masha. A constant presence in my office over the past years. 362 00:40:04,720 --> 00:40:10,280 -I want to go to medical school. -You still need to get in. 363 00:40:10,440 --> 00:40:13,960 -What if you don't get in? -Well, damn then. 364 00:40:14,120 --> 00:40:18,360 Masha! When did you stop believing in Santa Claus? 365 00:40:18,520 --> 00:40:22,800 -I still believe in Santa Claus. -What did you ask him for? 366 00:40:22,960 --> 00:40:24,680 Happiness. 367 00:40:25,880 --> 00:40:29,920 My brother is chilling in a base in some city in Russia 368 00:40:30,080 --> 00:40:34,120 waiting to be sent back to Ukraine. 369 00:40:34,280 --> 00:40:39,600 He went to Ukraine for 10 days and was sent back to the base. 370 00:40:39,760 --> 00:40:42,600 Some men stay there for 2-3 weeks. 371 00:40:42,760 --> 00:40:45,920 -He was drafted? -Yes. 372 00:40:46,080 --> 00:40:50,600 -He has a duty. -What is his salary? 373 00:40:50,760 --> 00:40:54,880 He just got about 1200 euro for a month. 374 00:40:56,040 --> 00:40:58,400 They have really scary guns. 375 00:40:58,560 --> 00:41:01,800 -Are they broken? -No, his are all good. 376 00:41:01,960 --> 00:41:07,200 He carries four grenades on one side. 377 00:41:07,360 --> 00:41:09,600 And four grenades on the other. 378 00:41:12,120 --> 00:41:16,760 As rough as it was to see Masha's brother go off to war 379 00:41:16,920 --> 00:41:22,680 it wasn't any easier to see my own students get drafted. 380 00:41:42,480 --> 00:41:46,720 What was your first thought when you were drafted into the army? 381 00:41:46,880 --> 00:41:50,240 That this farewell party would be expensive for me. 382 00:41:50,400 --> 00:41:55,720 -Do you really want to join the army? -I was conscripted. They sent for me. 383 00:41:55,880 --> 00:41:59,160 Which troops would you most like to join? 384 00:41:59,320 --> 00:42:04,320 Putin's. I'd like to serve in the Kremlin. 385 00:42:06,560 --> 00:42:09,840 -Should you shave? -Are you going to shave me? 386 00:42:10,000 --> 00:42:15,360 I think Vanya needs a shave. Let's shave little Vanya. 387 00:42:15,520 --> 00:42:20,160 -Leave enough room for everyone. -Yes, he has a lot of hair. 388 00:42:20,320 --> 00:42:23,720 -Yes, he still has it. -On the second round. 389 00:42:28,360 --> 00:42:32,960 Do you know what this hairstyle is called? Landing strip. For pilots. 390 00:42:33,120 --> 00:42:36,240 It's run out of power. Put it on the charger. 391 00:42:36,400 --> 00:42:40,440 -Say "Ivan". One, two, three. -Ivan! 392 00:42:40,600 --> 00:42:44,720 -Say "army". One, two, three. -Army! 393 00:42:51,240 --> 00:42:56,440 -Pasha, put down the camera and come. -Let me do a little too. 394 00:43:01,600 --> 00:43:04,320 You decided to sign up on your own? 395 00:43:04,480 --> 00:43:08,880 -They sent for me. -Why didn't you call me? 396 00:43:09,040 --> 00:43:14,440 It happened so fast, I didn't understand what was going on. 397 00:43:14,600 --> 00:43:17,160 Ah, we need to charge it more. 398 00:43:17,320 --> 00:43:20,120 OK, so let it charge. 399 00:43:36,840 --> 00:43:42,920 In my office I've witnessed these friendships bloom. 400 00:43:44,600 --> 00:43:47,240 But it's all so fragile. 401 00:43:54,600 --> 00:43:59,840 -What a son you have raised. -Dammit, I'm crying. 402 00:44:01,680 --> 00:44:03,760 Vanya! 403 00:44:08,480 --> 00:44:11,160 Fuck, I'm crying. 404 00:44:12,200 --> 00:44:15,760 Goddammit, Vanya. 405 00:44:15,920 --> 00:44:20,920 I know, Vanya, you are my friend, you are my friend, you are my brother. 406 00:44:21,080 --> 00:44:25,040 You understand? Not by blood, but by soul. Understand? 407 00:44:25,200 --> 00:44:31,960 If you were a stupid, bad guy, I would have cut you off. I love you for real. 408 00:44:32,120 --> 00:44:37,040 I see the real you. For real. 409 00:44:39,240 --> 00:44:43,120 You're leaving for a year... It's fucked up. 410 00:45:06,160 --> 00:45:09,480 I haven't slept since Vanya's going away party. 411 00:45:09,640 --> 00:45:13,560 Maybe I'm too anxious to ever sleep again. 412 00:45:19,320 --> 00:45:23,120 To see my students so directly get drawn into this war 413 00:45:23,280 --> 00:45:28,480 gave me an uncontrollable urge to lash out. 414 00:45:32,880 --> 00:45:38,880 And so, when setting up the sound system for the daily anthem ceremony, I acted. 415 00:45:46,320 --> 00:45:50,840 The US national anthem as performed by Lady Gaga. 416 00:45:51,000 --> 00:45:54,560 What could be more treasonous? 417 00:46:13,400 --> 00:46:15,640 Pasha, stop it immediately. 418 00:46:15,800 --> 00:46:18,760 -Why? -Do you want to go to prison? 419 00:46:18,920 --> 00:46:22,720 -You have lots of enemies at the school. -So what? 420 00:46:26,440 --> 00:46:30,680 President Vladimir Putin signed a law 421 00:46:30,840 --> 00:46:34,720 on life imprisonment for government treason. 422 00:46:34,880 --> 00:46:39,440 We must suppress activities of foreign secret services and identify 423 00:46:39,600 --> 00:46:42,320 traitors, spies and saboteurs. 424 00:46:42,480 --> 00:46:48,520 In April 2023, the state released updated laws concerning "treason". 425 00:46:49,520 --> 00:46:51,560 25 years in prison. 426 00:46:51,720 --> 00:46:57,880 That's the verdict for journalist and activist Vladimir Kara-Murza. 427 00:46:58,040 --> 00:47:00,160 He was found guilty of treason, 428 00:47:00,320 --> 00:47:05,000 discrediting the army, and leading an "undesirable organization." 429 00:47:05,160 --> 00:47:08,680 There is something called "traitor of the motherland". 430 00:47:08,840 --> 00:47:14,480 Just imagine this. You are a citizen of your country 431 00:47:14,640 --> 00:47:19,120 and then there is a person who betrays your country. 432 00:47:19,280 --> 00:47:21,920 He is just a scumbag. 433 00:47:23,640 --> 00:47:28,800 Obviously, I am constantly walking around the town with the camera. 434 00:47:29,960 --> 00:47:33,400 At first it felt safe and even interesting. 435 00:47:33,560 --> 00:47:36,360 It was like a game. 436 00:47:36,520 --> 00:47:38,320 But then... 437 00:47:39,800 --> 00:47:46,800 It became harder as the political atmosphere was heating up. 438 00:47:46,960 --> 00:47:52,720 People start taking notice if the camera is present. 439 00:47:56,440 --> 00:48:02,280 They get pretty worried. Start whispering. 440 00:48:04,200 --> 00:48:06,400 It seems like... 441 00:48:07,520 --> 00:48:10,440 in a second, trust was lost. 442 00:48:13,160 --> 00:48:16,080 Please be seated. 443 00:48:20,560 --> 00:48:24,560 True or false: an effective way of fighting modern warfare 444 00:48:24,720 --> 00:48:27,960 is to use foreign agents. 445 00:48:28,120 --> 00:48:29,440 True. 446 00:48:29,600 --> 00:48:35,480 The enemy is trying to recruit people from local communities 447 00:48:35,640 --> 00:48:39,800 to spread propaganda and confusion. 448 00:48:39,960 --> 00:48:42,800 That's the truth. 449 00:48:44,520 --> 00:48:48,920 We must support each other. 450 00:48:49,080 --> 00:48:55,320 They will attempt to defeat us from the inside 451 00:48:55,480 --> 00:48:58,560 by dividing us. 452 00:48:58,720 --> 00:49:05,000 So it's important that we unite and support each other. 453 00:49:08,360 --> 00:49:13,800 These kind of lessons would be unimaginable when I was a student here. 454 00:49:15,080 --> 00:49:17,520 In those days an open environment 455 00:49:17,680 --> 00:49:21,840 made it possible for someone like me to be free in this school. 456 00:49:22,000 --> 00:49:27,360 But since last year, there is no more freedom to be found here. 457 00:49:35,960 --> 00:49:39,920 And starting from today, it's official. 458 00:49:46,600 --> 00:49:50,880 Dear teachers, students, and visitors! 459 00:49:51,040 --> 00:49:55,960 We're here to witness an event of historical magnitude. 460 00:49:56,120 --> 00:50:01,080 Russian President Vladimir Putin has supported the idea 461 00:50:01,240 --> 00:50:05,320 of the creation of an all-Russian movement for children. 462 00:50:05,480 --> 00:50:07,800 For the first time in Russian history, 463 00:50:07,960 --> 00:50:12,920 a president will personally chair the board of the children's movement. 464 00:50:13,080 --> 00:50:18,800 I greet all the participants of the first meeting of the children's movement. 465 00:50:18,960 --> 00:50:25,080 Here in Moscow, we meet bright and creative kids from all over the country. 466 00:50:25,240 --> 00:50:29,080 This includes kids from our new regions. 467 00:50:33,040 --> 00:50:35,680 Putin announced this new organization 468 00:50:35,840 --> 00:50:39,920 on the 100-year anniversary of the Soviet Pioneers. 469 00:50:41,240 --> 00:50:43,520 In the high Soviet era, 470 00:50:43,680 --> 00:50:48,520 the pioneers prepared youth to fight the future battles of communism. 471 00:50:48,680 --> 00:50:54,280 Putin is bringing back this all-encompassing propaganda organization. 472 00:50:55,920 --> 00:50:59,160 But not for communism. 473 00:50:59,320 --> 00:51:05,080 No, this movement is loyal only to him and his aims. 474 00:51:07,040 --> 00:51:09,480 -Patriot! -Our motto! 475 00:51:09,640 --> 00:51:13,760 We only move forward, since we're the Patriot team! 476 00:51:13,920 --> 00:51:17,200 We're brave and agile, and ready to do anything to win. 477 00:51:27,800 --> 00:51:33,680 Go sit down over there. Move the chairs there, and sit down in pairs. 478 00:51:33,840 --> 00:51:37,240 -Did I put my hat on the right way? -Yes. 479 00:51:37,400 --> 00:51:42,200 Putin's new youth movement mandates new types of propaganda lessons. 480 00:51:42,360 --> 00:51:45,560 Now, there are not just prepared lines for the teachers. 481 00:51:45,720 --> 00:51:49,600 Now, even the students are reading from scripts. 482 00:51:51,520 --> 00:51:56,920 Kids, please hide your scripts under the tables. 483 00:51:58,240 --> 00:52:02,480 Tell me another of the most heroic Soviet cities. 484 00:52:02,640 --> 00:52:05,120 -Kyiv! -Which one? 485 00:52:05,280 --> 00:52:08,280 -Kyiv. -It's correct. 486 00:52:10,400 --> 00:52:14,480 Someone wants to tell me a little bit about it? Yura, please. 487 00:52:14,640 --> 00:52:19,920 Kyiv is one of our first cities fighting the enemy during the Great Patriotic War. 488 00:52:20,080 --> 00:52:25,200 On June 6, 1941, 489 00:52:25,360 --> 00:52:31,200 facing perilous attack from German fascist troops 490 00:52:31,360 --> 00:52:35,320 our military headquarters was established in Kyiv. 491 00:52:35,480 --> 00:52:41,440 The 72-day defense of the Ukrainian capital thus began 492 00:52:41,600 --> 00:52:45,440 lasting until September 19, 1941. 493 00:52:45,600 --> 00:52:50,040 -This city received its first award... -Look at the teacher, not me. 494 00:52:50,200 --> 00:52:53,160 This city received its first award... 495 00:52:56,840 --> 00:53:00,160 What do Putin's lessons seek to teach us? 496 00:53:00,320 --> 00:53:07,320 It's obvious on Victory Day, the holiest day of the year for the Russian state. 497 00:53:07,800 --> 00:53:14,800 Marching together, we hold pictures of relatives who perished in World War II. 498 00:53:15,360 --> 00:53:18,720 We begin the ceremony of laying a garland 499 00:53:18,880 --> 00:53:22,600 in recognition of the heroism of Soviet soldiers. 500 00:53:22,760 --> 00:53:29,760 A wreath is placed on behalf of the copper mining conglomerate Karabash-med. 501 00:53:32,240 --> 00:53:35,560 The message to the kids isn't subtle. 502 00:53:35,720 --> 00:53:42,640 "Maybe one day you can be a dead soldier too." 503 00:53:47,320 --> 00:53:51,880 Our people, just like in the years of the Great Patriotic War, must unite 504 00:53:52,040 --> 00:53:54,320 in order to defeat the enemy. 505 00:53:54,480 --> 00:53:59,080 I'm very happy to see so many children and young people here at the parade. 506 00:53:59,240 --> 00:54:03,360 I encourage you, patriots. 507 00:54:03,520 --> 00:54:09,520 You, young people, will have to carry the banner of absolute victory over evil. 508 00:54:13,000 --> 00:54:16,600 ♪ Come on, let's live, Let's live ♪ 509 00:54:16,760 --> 00:54:20,960 ♪ Sharing the minutes Of joy and happiness together ♪ 510 00:54:21,120 --> 00:54:24,360 ♪ And valuing every hour, Every moment that we have ♪ 511 00:54:24,520 --> 00:54:28,200 ♪ Oh, our life, oh, our life Is like a song ♪ 512 00:54:56,400 --> 00:54:59,600 Ah, I get it now. 513 00:55:05,040 --> 00:55:08,400 Hi, Masha. How have you been? 514 00:55:08,560 --> 00:55:11,160 Are you OK? 515 00:55:15,960 --> 00:55:19,080 Wait, I am filming you taking the picture. 516 00:55:19,240 --> 00:55:21,280 Your brother. 517 00:55:22,280 --> 00:55:27,560 -Are you going to show it to your mom? -Yes, they put it in the classroom. 518 00:55:33,040 --> 00:55:37,400 Do you feel happy that the teachers put the photo of your brother on the wall? 519 00:55:37,560 --> 00:55:41,480 -Well, I am not happy he is at war. -Understandable. 520 00:55:43,520 --> 00:55:46,760 As part of the state-mandated propaganda 521 00:55:46,920 --> 00:55:53,760 students here are often given graded assignments to write letters to soldiers. 522 00:55:54,800 --> 00:56:00,440 But sometimes these tasks can be redirected towards our own ends. 523 00:56:00,600 --> 00:56:04,480 They can be a good way to vent suppressed feelings. 524 00:56:04,640 --> 00:56:08,720 Masha, did you show your mother the letter you wrote to a soldier? 525 00:56:08,880 --> 00:56:12,280 -She said it was a sad letter. -What letter is this? 526 00:56:12,440 --> 00:56:13,720 To a soldier. 527 00:56:13,880 --> 00:56:15,880 She said I was good at describing things. 528 00:56:16,040 --> 00:56:19,200 Did you write to a random soldier or to your brother? 529 00:56:19,360 --> 00:56:21,720 I wrote to a soldier about my brother. 530 00:56:21,880 --> 00:56:25,280 "Dear soldier, I hope you are well, dressed, healthy and full." 531 00:56:25,440 --> 00:56:31,480 "I understand this is not easy neither for you nor for your family and friends." 532 00:56:31,640 --> 00:56:35,920 "But just do anything to come back home. It's not easy for me either, honestly." 533 00:56:36,080 --> 00:56:41,200 "My brother is on the battlefield now, and we're all very worried for him." 534 00:56:41,360 --> 00:56:45,280 "On February 3, 2023, he told us he was OK." 535 00:56:45,440 --> 00:56:49,000 "He said he was not hungry nor was he missing us." 536 00:56:49,160 --> 00:56:53,840 That he was missing us, I mean. "I am writing this to tell you 537 00:56:54,000 --> 00:56:58,480 please do not forget to call people who are worried about you." 538 00:57:06,320 --> 00:57:09,240 Forward march, go! 539 00:57:17,120 --> 00:57:20,280 When did we start marching in the hallways? 540 00:57:20,440 --> 00:57:24,160 Is Severus Snape our new headmaster? 541 00:57:24,320 --> 00:57:31,320 ♪ White snow, gray ice On the cracked earth ♪ 542 00:57:31,640 --> 00:57:38,640 ♪ Covered by a patchwork quilt There is a city in the bend of the road ♪ 543 00:57:39,160 --> 00:57:46,160 ♪ And clouds are floating above the sky Quenching the heavenly light ♪ 544 00:57:46,760 --> 00:57:49,480 Proceed to the next step. 545 00:57:49,640 --> 00:57:51,760 Yes, sir. 546 00:57:51,920 --> 00:57:55,440 Don't turn with your shoulder. 547 00:57:56,440 --> 00:57:59,800 -You are walking too fast. -At ease. 548 00:57:59,960 --> 00:58:03,880 Marching steps. And march. 549 00:58:10,560 --> 00:58:14,520 14 students from 6th grade are receiving failing grades. 550 00:58:14,680 --> 00:58:16,960 And 34 students from 7th grade. 551 00:58:17,120 --> 00:58:20,200 133 grades are missing. 552 00:58:20,360 --> 00:58:23,520 I think the teachers are inflating the grades. 553 00:58:23,680 --> 00:58:30,680 Pavel Abdulmanov, academic performance in your class has dropped 7%. 554 00:58:33,320 --> 00:58:38,400 Back to the problem of kids failing. This is a very serious issue. 555 00:58:38,560 --> 00:58:43,320 This is not only happening in our school. There are a lot of questions. 556 00:58:43,480 --> 00:58:50,320 We need to find out why this is happening and what can be done about it. 557 00:58:57,440 --> 00:59:00,800 Maybe the reason they are failing is all the bullshit. 558 00:59:00,960 --> 00:59:06,600 You have to prepare all the patriotic lessons, all the special courses. 559 00:59:06,760 --> 00:59:10,880 The new youth organizations that they shove down your throat. 560 00:59:11,040 --> 00:59:15,720 It's true. How are we supposed to do this all at once? 561 00:59:15,880 --> 00:59:22,440 "Go Russia, hurray for nuclear weapons," that's all we have here now. 562 00:59:22,600 --> 00:59:26,920 What if we could just take out all the extra activities 563 00:59:27,080 --> 00:59:31,240 and just focus on educating kids. Why can't we just try it? 564 00:59:31,400 --> 00:59:35,760 -How in the world can we do that? -I would get fired! 565 00:59:35,920 --> 00:59:40,400 -I'd also get fired as principal. -It has to come from above. 566 00:59:55,160 --> 00:59:59,720 It's like walking a tight rope. 567 01:00:03,520 --> 01:00:10,520 When you feel like you are nothing but a propagandist 568 01:00:11,040 --> 01:00:15,200 and you feel like it's going to consume all of you 569 01:00:15,360 --> 01:00:19,520 you need to even it out 570 01:00:19,680 --> 01:00:22,920 and act out. 571 01:00:26,080 --> 01:00:29,840 My stomach is aching. 572 01:00:31,600 --> 01:00:35,640 I might be a self-destructive person. 573 01:00:38,920 --> 01:00:43,920 But I can't look at one more pro-war Z symbol on these windows. 574 01:00:45,000 --> 01:00:50,080 So I take them down and put up X's instead. 575 01:00:50,240 --> 01:00:54,440 A symbol online in support of Ukrainian refugees. 576 01:01:13,280 --> 01:01:18,080 No, Pasha, don't do this. We are all adults here, after all. 577 01:01:18,240 --> 01:01:20,400 Everyone is having a hard time. 578 01:01:20,560 --> 01:01:22,840 That's correct, everyone is having a hard time. 579 01:01:23,000 --> 01:01:26,200 Pasha, you have to listen to other people too. 580 01:01:26,360 --> 01:01:30,280 That's it, thank you, it's great that we heard each other out. 581 01:01:32,160 --> 01:01:35,240 Karabash is a small city, where everybody knows each other. 582 01:01:35,400 --> 01:01:41,560 Word starts spreading about my open opposition to the regime 583 01:01:41,720 --> 01:01:48,520 and in Russia, you never know what kind of danger you might face. 584 01:01:53,320 --> 01:02:00,160 I go to the town award ceremony feeling anxious but also a bit hopeful. 585 01:02:05,440 --> 01:02:11,120 Here, an award is given to the local teacher who is most loved by students. 586 01:02:12,200 --> 01:02:18,760 The prize is a new deluxe apartment, right here in Karabash. 587 01:02:23,600 --> 01:02:26,440 Good afternoon. Hello, dear guests. 588 01:02:26,600 --> 01:02:33,320 The award is for someone kind, someone understanding. 589 01:02:34,320 --> 01:02:41,320 Someone who creates a space for students where they feel comfortable. 590 01:02:41,640 --> 01:02:47,400 We are starting the ceremony for "favorite teacher" award. 591 01:02:53,280 --> 01:02:56,440 The winner is Pavel Shaihovich Abdulmanov! 592 01:02:56,600 --> 01:03:01,280 The history and social science teacher from Karabash Primary School. 593 01:03:03,920 --> 01:03:10,000 Students and parents value him for his kindness, his way of explaining things, 594 01:03:10,160 --> 01:03:15,200 his creative approach to teaching, and for his understanding of students. 595 01:03:15,360 --> 01:03:18,880 "Abdulmanov teaches us how to be smart." 596 01:03:27,800 --> 01:03:32,800 I'm overwhelmed with emotions, even if you don't see it on my face. 597 01:03:32,960 --> 01:03:38,320 Sometimes I feel like I'm the guy everyone wants to tear apart. 598 01:03:38,480 --> 01:03:42,000 But it turns out they really love me. 599 01:03:45,880 --> 01:03:49,720 As a teacher I feel more and more useless. 600 01:03:49,880 --> 01:03:53,600 It's now time for the mercenaries to teach. 601 01:03:54,560 --> 01:03:57,280 Don't film too much here. 602 01:03:57,440 --> 01:04:01,160 Wagner mercenaries, to be precise. 603 01:04:01,320 --> 01:04:03,800 Wagner. 604 01:04:05,440 --> 01:04:09,240 This mine is called a petal. 605 01:04:09,400 --> 01:04:12,160 It's being thrown out from airplanes. 606 01:04:12,320 --> 01:04:18,680 If it's a field or open space, you would never see it. 607 01:04:18,840 --> 01:04:25,840 It's very hard to see it in bushes or anywhere else. 608 01:04:26,800 --> 01:04:30,480 If you see this mine, walk around it. 609 01:04:30,640 --> 01:04:35,560 If you ever see it anywhere, never come close to it or touch it. 610 01:04:35,720 --> 01:04:39,280 There is liquid inside that blows up instantly. 611 01:04:39,440 --> 01:04:43,440 It will take your whole leg off in a second. 612 01:04:45,800 --> 01:04:50,200 The most important thing, if you end up in a crossfire is 613 01:04:50,360 --> 01:04:53,160 never clasp your helmet! 614 01:04:53,320 --> 01:04:56,840 It will break your neck if you get shot in the head. 615 01:05:12,560 --> 01:05:15,960 Move a little bit closer together. 616 01:05:18,720 --> 01:05:21,240 OK, thank you. 617 01:05:21,400 --> 01:05:25,040 Our schedules are packed with military related events. 618 01:05:25,200 --> 01:05:31,680 Marching practice, shooting drills, grenade throwing competitions. 619 01:05:37,800 --> 01:05:44,800 The 2nd place for "Grenade Throwing, Age Category 15-16 Years" 620 01:05:45,880 --> 01:05:48,480 is awarded to Bidal Gabitov. 621 01:05:48,640 --> 01:05:54,200 The 1st place award goes to Seymon Chuykin. 622 01:05:57,720 --> 01:06:03,600 We've never had a demand for teachers as we do now. 623 01:06:03,760 --> 01:06:10,760 Teachers play pivotal roles when countries are at turning points. 624 01:06:11,400 --> 01:06:15,000 Commanders don't win wars. 625 01:06:15,160 --> 01:06:17,600 Teachers win wars. 626 01:06:17,760 --> 01:06:23,360 You can see these models of small arms used during the Great Patriotic War. 627 01:06:23,520 --> 01:06:27,240 And here's our last exhibit, the Degtyaryov machine gun. 628 01:06:27,400 --> 01:06:32,680 It has the same cartridge as the Mosin and the SVT. It holds 75 bullets. 629 01:07:26,240 --> 01:07:30,720 -Is everything good in school? -No, there's nothing good there. 630 01:07:44,560 --> 01:07:47,080 Good day! 631 01:07:47,240 --> 01:07:51,640 Happy birthday! Help me with the flowers. 632 01:07:51,800 --> 01:07:56,280 And a present for you as well. 633 01:07:56,440 --> 01:07:59,040 Good. 634 01:07:59,200 --> 01:08:03,000 Maybe I will stop by your place tonight. 635 01:08:03,160 --> 01:08:05,000 Forget it. 636 01:08:10,760 --> 01:08:16,920 Today's training will help students develop 637 01:08:17,080 --> 01:08:23,640 the morale required for military service. 638 01:08:33,080 --> 01:08:37,640 Pasha, my brother Kostya called crying yesterday about huge losses over there. 639 01:08:37,800 --> 01:08:40,800 Actually crying? 640 01:08:40,960 --> 01:08:44,600 He recorded a voice message on WhatsApp. 641 01:08:44,760 --> 01:08:49,960 He told the whole family that he is alive and OK. 642 01:08:50,120 --> 01:08:55,480 But also he talked about huge losses and his voice started trembling by the end... 643 01:08:55,640 --> 01:09:00,000 -Can't he leave? -He wants to really bad. 644 01:09:00,160 --> 01:09:07,160 Is there any way he can officially leave this war? 645 01:09:07,320 --> 01:09:11,160 I don't think so, it's not like they give vacation time. 646 01:09:11,320 --> 01:09:14,440 -Is he on contract or mobilized? -Mobilized. 647 01:09:14,600 --> 01:09:19,280 He can't say "demobilize" me? 648 01:09:19,440 --> 01:09:23,680 It doesn't work that way, no one is going to let him go. 649 01:09:23,840 --> 01:09:29,040 It's horrifying, I am scared. 650 01:10:08,440 --> 01:10:14,440 The war has become Europe's bloodiest since WW2. 651 01:10:15,480 --> 01:10:18,360 By the summer of 2024, 652 01:10:18,520 --> 01:10:24,080 Putin's strategy was to throw soldiers at the Ukrainian frontlines. 653 01:10:24,240 --> 01:10:31,240 Russia slowly made territorial gains, a few square kilometers here and there, 654 01:10:31,880 --> 01:10:36,360 costing 1000 soldiers' lives every day. 655 01:10:38,880 --> 01:10:44,840 Yet there is no shortage of conscripts from Karabash. 656 01:10:45,000 --> 01:10:49,440 The kids have been taught well by their teachers. 657 01:10:54,320 --> 01:10:56,760 It feels like yesterday 658 01:10:56,920 --> 01:11:01,120 I filmed Nikita getting a McDonald's shirt for his birthday. 659 01:11:02,800 --> 01:11:08,160 Nikita! What can I say, you're starting a new chapter in your life. 660 01:11:08,320 --> 01:11:12,960 You are becoming more manly. 661 01:11:13,120 --> 01:11:19,120 I am wishing you endurance, happiness and health, that's the most important. 662 01:11:19,280 --> 01:11:26,280 If you ever have any problems, your friends will always have your back. 663 01:11:33,960 --> 01:11:39,320 Pull the trigger, take position, the correct one, then shoot 4 times. 664 01:11:46,840 --> 01:11:51,160 "I will see you when you get back." "See you in a year." 665 01:11:52,200 --> 01:11:57,160 But some guys will never come home. 666 01:12:04,480 --> 01:12:08,800 Artyom was my friend from my own graduation class. 667 01:12:08,960 --> 01:12:12,880 He's one of many who lost their lives, 668 01:12:13,040 --> 01:12:17,000 and whose deaths were covered up by the state. 669 01:12:17,160 --> 01:12:24,160 The death numbers of this war are highly sensitive information for the regime. 670 01:12:26,160 --> 01:12:30,600 Filming Russian soldiers' funerals is too risky. 671 01:12:30,760 --> 01:12:37,560 But I think it's important so I recorded the sound. 672 01:12:49,120 --> 01:12:52,040 Attention please. 673 01:12:52,200 --> 01:12:59,200 On the 30th of April, Russian Citizen Artyom Volkov died. 674 01:13:03,240 --> 01:13:09,480 During the liberation of Artyomovsk of the Donetsk People's Republic. 675 01:13:16,640 --> 01:13:20,360 Artyom! 676 01:13:22,000 --> 01:13:24,840 Artyom! 677 01:13:27,560 --> 01:13:30,960 My sweet boy! 678 01:13:42,520 --> 01:13:45,840 No, no, no. 679 01:13:48,440 --> 01:13:50,440 Zhenya, hold mom. 680 01:13:50,600 --> 01:13:54,200 Why didn't you let me come close to him? 681 01:13:55,360 --> 01:13:58,640 My little Artyom! 682 01:14:03,560 --> 01:14:10,560 I know the situation here is incomparable to what's happening in Ukraine. 683 01:14:12,680 --> 01:14:18,080 But there are more and more people suffering here because of the war. 684 01:14:19,240 --> 01:14:25,920 And there is nowhere in school where the trauma doesn't reach. 685 01:14:30,040 --> 01:14:34,320 The kindest boy, Igor, who lost his father. 686 01:14:37,040 --> 01:14:44,040 Kristina from school security who lost her boyfriend. 687 01:14:48,160 --> 01:14:54,320 And so many brothers in harm's way. 688 01:15:01,120 --> 01:15:06,040 Masha's brother Kostya was deployed to Ukraine during the mobilization. 689 01:15:06,200 --> 01:15:10,160 He recently defected from the army 690 01:15:10,320 --> 01:15:15,200 only to be captured and brought back to Ukraine. 691 01:15:15,360 --> 01:15:22,360 A few weeks later, his family got a call that he was dead. 692 01:15:23,800 --> 01:15:28,240 -Do you miss him? -Of course, everybody does. 693 01:15:29,880 --> 01:15:33,800 We never ended up having a good talk about her brother. 694 01:15:34,880 --> 01:15:39,640 In some ways that's what hurt me the most. 695 01:15:41,480 --> 01:15:45,640 Masha was always seeking a place to be free. 696 01:15:45,800 --> 01:15:50,480 To unload her feelings without fear or prejudice. 697 01:15:52,640 --> 01:15:58,280 But I have to admit it feels like something has changed. 698 01:16:04,840 --> 01:16:09,400 More and more, students have started to fear my classroom. 699 01:16:09,560 --> 01:16:15,480 They don't wish to be seen with the guy who hangs the democracy flags. 700 01:16:15,640 --> 01:16:18,080 And so they don't come. 701 01:16:26,360 --> 01:16:30,240 But perhaps the students are smart to avoid me. 702 01:16:32,840 --> 01:16:38,160 One day a police car appears outside my window. 703 01:16:38,320 --> 01:16:42,520 In a small town like Karabash, this is suspicious. 704 01:16:42,680 --> 01:16:47,760 I hide my hard drives and passwords in case something happens. 705 01:16:47,920 --> 01:16:52,480 Here... is where they're hidden. 706 01:16:56,800 --> 01:17:02,720 I want people in Russia and my hometown 707 01:17:02,880 --> 01:17:08,920 to see the material I recorded. 708 01:17:13,600 --> 01:17:19,440 For all that was said and done in this film, 709 01:17:19,600 --> 01:17:25,520 surely I will get beaten or put in jail. 710 01:17:25,680 --> 01:17:29,800 If we were a free country 711 01:17:29,960 --> 01:17:36,960 with the freedom to say what needs to be said... 712 01:17:38,920 --> 01:17:41,880 I wouldn't need to leave Russia. 713 01:17:44,400 --> 01:17:45,720 It's... 714 01:17:47,560 --> 01:17:50,000 This departure... 715 01:17:52,480 --> 01:17:54,920 It's... 716 01:17:57,000 --> 01:17:59,000 It's... 717 01:18:10,400 --> 01:18:13,600 -How is your brother Vanya doing? -He is OK. 718 01:18:13,760 --> 01:18:18,520 -Does he call you? Is he still there? -Yes. He has become a captain. 719 01:18:18,680 --> 01:18:22,160 -Oh, a captain! -Yes. 720 01:18:26,800 --> 01:18:32,280 I go to the library for a sort of farewell. 721 01:18:33,480 --> 01:18:36,840 Let me film you repairing the books. 722 01:18:38,480 --> 01:18:41,640 They're all torn. 723 01:18:43,880 --> 01:18:46,720 Tell me what you're doing. 724 01:18:46,880 --> 01:18:50,000 Affixing the cover. 725 01:18:52,200 --> 01:18:57,480 Who in the world knows that you fix these books? 726 01:18:57,640 --> 01:19:00,200 Do you tell the kids about it? 727 01:19:02,960 --> 01:19:06,640 I'm bringing a plant... 728 01:19:09,040 --> 01:19:12,120 to your house. 729 01:19:12,280 --> 01:19:18,080 If it dies, OK. But if it lives I'll be really happy. 730 01:19:19,120 --> 01:19:22,120 -OK? -OK. 731 01:19:27,840 --> 01:19:31,960 -What do you think? -What can I think? 732 01:19:38,800 --> 01:19:42,200 I think she senses that I am leaving 733 01:19:42,360 --> 01:19:45,680 but not that it will be forever. 734 01:19:45,840 --> 01:19:50,800 It's impossible to say the words to someone you love so much. 735 01:20:43,280 --> 01:20:45,480 I love... 736 01:20:47,520 --> 01:20:50,120 almost everything about this place. 737 01:20:51,240 --> 01:20:54,960 I love the gray soviet buildings. 738 01:20:56,160 --> 01:21:03,040 I love the maze of pipes coming from the copper plant. 739 01:21:03,200 --> 01:21:06,560 Pipes, pipes, pipes... 740 01:21:08,440 --> 01:21:14,000 I love the stains on the sides of the buildings. 741 01:21:15,320 --> 01:21:18,200 I love thunder and storms. 742 01:21:42,200 --> 01:21:45,560 P, it's time to talk about your departure. 743 01:21:45,720 --> 01:21:51,000 Before you cross the border, you must delete our secure messaging app. 744 01:21:51,160 --> 01:21:56,680 Be careful about how you take your footage past border control. Just be calm. 745 01:21:56,840 --> 01:22:01,440 You have a return ticket. They'll think you are returning in 7 days. 746 01:22:01,600 --> 01:22:06,640 I think what you've done is going to make a big impact. 747 01:22:12,280 --> 01:22:15,520 One last task before I leave. 748 01:22:25,000 --> 01:22:29,320 This year for our graduation ceremony, 749 01:22:29,480 --> 01:22:33,840 a young tree is to be dug up and planted at school. 750 01:22:35,200 --> 01:22:38,480 A symbol of new beginnings. 751 01:23:00,160 --> 01:23:04,120 Today, I am the event coordinator at Karabash Primary School 752 01:23:04,280 --> 01:23:09,000 and it's my responsibility to organize the graduation ceremony. 753 01:23:09,160 --> 01:23:14,440 The diplomas were printed. The speeches were written. 754 01:23:14,600 --> 01:23:19,000 I did these tasks to the best of my abilities. 755 01:23:20,560 --> 01:23:25,440 Make your destiny with your own hands. Go against the wind. Don't stand still. 756 01:23:25,600 --> 01:23:28,960 There is no simple way. 757 01:23:35,960 --> 01:23:38,080 Dear friends! 758 01:23:38,960 --> 01:23:41,960 Dear graduates, 759 01:23:42,120 --> 01:23:44,600 parents, 760 01:23:44,760 --> 01:23:48,080 and teachers! 761 01:23:48,240 --> 01:23:55,240 In a very short while your children, your students, 762 01:23:55,920 --> 01:23:59,440 your brothers and sisters, 763 01:23:59,600 --> 01:24:04,520 your closest people, your family 764 01:24:04,680 --> 01:24:09,600 will hear their school bell for the last time. 765 01:24:09,760 --> 01:24:14,920 And this will signify the beginning of real adult life for them. 766 01:24:16,440 --> 01:24:21,400 I'd like to take this opportunity, my dear friends, 767 01:24:21,560 --> 01:24:28,360 to say how great it is to be able to actually call you my dear friends. 768 01:24:33,240 --> 01:24:37,080 Wherever your life takes you, 769 01:24:37,240 --> 01:24:40,680 I wish you 770 01:24:40,840 --> 01:24:44,560 solid ground under your feet. 771 01:24:48,400 --> 01:24:51,440 Yes, there'll be turns. 772 01:24:51,600 --> 01:24:56,840 Yes, there'll be ups and downs. 773 01:24:57,000 --> 01:25:03,440 Yes, there'll be crossroads and turning points, you'll have to choose. 774 01:25:05,440 --> 01:25:09,360 Sometimes to do the right thing... And sometimes 775 01:25:09,520 --> 01:25:15,120 to express your love, you must sacrifice everything. 776 01:25:18,120 --> 01:25:23,120 But I know that your choice will come from your heart. 777 01:25:23,280 --> 01:25:25,200 I love you very much. 778 01:25:25,360 --> 01:25:30,280 Thank you so much for working with me 779 01:25:30,440 --> 01:25:34,760 throughout these years. 780 01:25:34,920 --> 01:25:41,920 I love you very much. The time for the last bell has come. 781 01:25:56,520 --> 01:26:02,520 We were all united by a deep recognition of what we were leaving behind. 782 01:26:02,680 --> 01:26:07,560 And utter blindness towards what the next steps actually mean. 783 01:26:07,720 --> 01:26:10,520 It can't be here, why am I even searching? 784 01:26:10,680 --> 01:26:14,120 Thank you for giving us your warmth and support. 785 01:26:14,280 --> 01:26:18,280 You supported us during the hard times and were always here for us. 786 01:26:18,440 --> 01:26:21,240 This is my passport. 787 01:26:23,520 --> 01:26:25,120 Holy shit! 788 01:26:26,320 --> 01:26:33,040 We all held each other once more, dancing in the most toxic town on earth. 789 01:26:41,320 --> 01:26:44,680 And you could almost smell the clean Ural mountain air 790 01:26:44,840 --> 01:26:47,880 through the poisonous fumes.