Three documentaries focusing on anti-Kremlin journalists and activists have made it to the Oscar shortlist, with critics highlighting their strong anti-war and anti-authoritarian themes.

David Borenstein’s film, “Mr. Nobody Against Putin,” which relies on footage secretly obtained from Russia, and Julia Loktev’s “My Undesirable Friends: Part 1 — Last Air in Moscow” have both been nominated in the Documentary Feature Film category.

Borenstein’s work illustrates the rapid militarization of a secondary school in the Ural Mountains of Russia, utilizing clips captured by Pavel Talankin, the school’s event coordinator and videographer.

Talankin managed to escape Russia with the hard drives that would form the backbone of the documentary.

Reflecting on the nomination, Borenstein expressed his “shock” and described the experience as “surreal.”

“However, I feel very grateful, especially towards Pasha. He made significant sacrifices to see this film come to life and deserves to have a substantial impact,” he commented, using Talankin’s affectionate nickname.

When asked about the inclusion of these Russian-related films in the shortlist, Borenstein remarked, “Perhaps extreme circumstances lead to remarkable actions?”

Loktev’s documentary, which entertainment site Vulture characterized as a “5.5-hour-long panic attack,” chronicles the experiences of independent female journalists in Russia during the winter of 2021-2022, just before Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Alexander Molochnikov’s “Extremist,” a project for which Hollywood actor Ben Stiller served as executive producer, is shortlisted in the Live Action Short Film category.

This film draws inspiration from the real-life story of Sasha Skochilenko, a 35-year-old artist and musician who was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2023 for exchanging supermarket price tags for messages protesting Russia’s offensive in Ukraine.

After serving two years, she was released in 2024 as part of a significant prisoner exchange.

Molochnikov, one of Russia’s notable emerging filmmakers, began his career at the Moscow Art Theater at the age of 22 and later worked at the Bolshoi Theater.

The 17-minute film was his thesis project at Columbia University after he left Moscow in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Skochilenko commended the film and indicated to AFP that she is “pleased” to see “the issue of repression and political imprisonment in Russia becoming more recognized globally.”

“This is critically important, especially at a time when some in the West may hold misconceptions about the ‘Russian world’ and its supposed benefits.”

Skochilenko, who identifies as gay, also expressed her hope that one day a TV series could be created based on her and her partner Sonia’s story.

In November, Stiller mentioned on X that he felt honored to contribute to the project, commending “the bravery of those who oppose authoritarian regimes regardless of their location.”

The presence of these Russia-centric films on the shortlist sends a powerful message, according to film critic Anton Dolin.

“It’s a statement against war and tyranny,” he told AFP.

“This suggests that American cultural influencers are becoming more attuned to the situation in Russia.”

Exiled film critic Yekaterina Barabash reinforced this sentiment, stating, “This is a significant moment.”

Additionally, “2,000 Meters to Andriivka,” a documentary directed by Ukrainian filmmaker and war correspondent Mstyslav Chernov, has also garnered a nomination in the documentary feature category.

Chernov’s previous film, “20 Days in Mariupol,” won the Oscar in this category in 2024.

The nominations for the Academy Awards will be revealed on January 22.