David Borenstein, who won an Oscar for best documentary for 'Mr Nobody Against Putin,' is developing a new feature titled 'Living in Our Heads' with producer Helle Faber. He is also collaborating with PBS on its Nova program. The projects draw inspiration from his recent Oscar success.
David Borenstein recently won the Oscar for best documentary for “Mr Nobody Against Putin,” which he co-directed with Pavel Talankin. The win occurred just days before he was scheduled to pitch at CPH:DOX’s Forum platform, forcing him to withdraw. Speaking from Los Angeles while preparing to return to Copenhagen, Borenstein discussed his upcoming work with Variety. He is reuniting with producer Helle Faber of Made in Copenhagen for “Living in Our Heads,” a project he described as involving 'an interesting collaboration with someone' to create 'an interesting film language.' It will feature 'a voice that I help write in the middle of the film that is a very unexpected perspective... on a big geopolitical topic.' Borenstein emphasized lessons from his Oscar-winning film, including the value of co-directing. 'One thing I learned from ‘Mr Nobody Against Putin’ is the benefit of having a co-director and opening yourself up to working with someone else,' he said, praising Talankin as 'unbelievable.' Faber noted increased interest post-Oscar, predicting it will ease access to key interviewees. 'I think it’s going to be much easier to get people to talk to David,' she said. The Oscar spotlight may challenge Borenstein's anonymity, which has aided his on-the-ground access. Separately, he plans to support PBS, expressing concern over its state 'during this Trump administration.' He will continue with the Nova science program, valuing its reach to Americans and schoolchildren. Faber is developing a new slate, including a major documentary series.
