The film that won best documentary feature at the 2026 Academy Awards, "Mr. Nobody Against Putin," opens April 17 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.
Also opening is the music documentary, "Immediate Family."
Pasha Talankin is an unlikely hero — a beloved Russian primary school teacher, known as a mentor and prankster who offers students a safe haven in his office. After Russia invades Ukraine, Pasha’s role in the school changes dramatically as he is reluctantly drawn into Putin’s propaganda machine. Forced to promote state-sanctioned messages and horrified by the transformation of his school and community, he struggles with guilt and a sense of powerlessness, leading him to become an international whistleblower.
As the school’s videographer, Pasha documents intimate and revealing footage of Putin’s regime, capturing the rise of militarized children’s groups, repressive laws, fervent nationalism, and the recruitment of graduating students to fight in the war. When he learns his own life may be at risk, Pasha is forced to plan a dangerous escape from Russia. Directed by David Borenstein and Pasha Talankin, this uniquely collaborative film is as captivating and joyful as it is eye-opening and sobering.
"Mr. Nobody Against Putin" is not rated and is showing through April 23.
"Immediate Family" tracks the rise and collaborations of a group of legendary session musicians Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel, and Waddy Wachtel through the 1970s and onward, chronicling their illustrious partnerships and their formidable record of hit-making. Directed by Denny Tedesco, whose documentary "The Wrecking Crew," followed the first wave of studio musicians in the 60s, the film reveals the machinery behind the booming era of the singersongwriter, when the talents of these four musicians were in furious demand. The foundations of their enduring friendship, formed on the road and in studios, is recalled with dynamite clarity — reminisced with fondness through intimate interviews with the guys themselves, as well as the memories of some of rock’s most iconic voices including Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Richards, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, David Crosby, Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovett, Phil Collins, and more. "Immediate Family"Y is a backstage tour spanning multiple eras of musical history.
"Immediate Family" is not rated and is showing through April 23.
For more information on films, including showtimes and ticket availability, visit the Ross' website.
