Masterclass: Zwischen Kunst und Politik – Dokumentarfilm im Spannungsfeld / Masterclass: Between Art and Politics: The Documentary Film in a Field of Tension
Lübeck Meetings
Documentary film has always been closely linked to social and political issues. Whether as an artistic medium, a chronicler of its times, or a tool of political intervention: documentaries exist at the intersection of art and politics. But where does observation end and a standpoint begin? Where is the line between artistic freedom and political responsibility? Can a documentary ever be truly apolitical, or is the choice of a perspective already political?
This year's Masterclass guest is American director David Borenstein, whose film Mr Nobody Against Putin is screening at the festival and is Denmark's official entry for the 2025 Academy Award for Best International Feature. The documentary follows Russian teacher and videographer Pavel 'Pasha' Talankin, who initially documented everyday life at his former school in Karabash. Over time, his footage evolved into a powerful and critical chronicle of a country shifting into wartime mode.
Mr Nobody Against Putin captures the alarming militarisation of school life following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and shows how, despite facing increasing personal risk, Pasha continued to advocate for a different vision of Russia. With the support of an international team, he eventually managed to leave the country. He now lives in exile.
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, 1:00 pm Willy-Brandt-Haus, Königstraße 21, 23552 Lübeck
Admission is free with a ticket, which can be booked at nordische-filmtage.de, and must be shown at the door either digitally or printed.
Accreditation holders can book their tickets HERE.
Festival audiences will have two opportunities to see the film ahead of the Masterclass:
Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, 7:00 pm, KOLK 17
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, 9:45 am, CineStar Stadthalle
An event of the Nordic Film Days Lübeck in cooperation with MOIN Film Fund Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein, and with the kind support of the Willy-Brandt-Haus Lübeck.
Screenings
| 08.11.2025 | 13:00 | Willy-Brandt-Haus |
