Ukraine Criticizes Woody Allen’s Attendance at Russian Film Festival
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry expressed strong disapproval on Monday regarding Woody Allen’s participation in a Russian film festival over the weekend. They labeled his attendance a “disgrace and humiliation,” especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Russian media reported that Allen spoke via video link at the Moscow International Film Week on Sunday. This stance seemed to conflict with sentiments from Hollywood, as several celebrities have supported Ukraine in various initiatives and events, including virtual appearances at high-profile shows like the Golden Globes and the Grammys.
A segment broadcast by Russian state television featured filmmakers addressing audiences filled with viewers, moderated by prominent pro-Kremlin filmmaker Fyodor Bondarchuk. Reports indicated that Allen has a long-standing admiration for Russian cinema, reminiscing about his previous visits to both Russia and the Soviet Union, and discussing whether he would consider directing a project there.
In response, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry firmly condemned Allen’s involvement in the festival, emphasizing the pain it causes for Ukrainian actors and filmmakers who have suffered at the hands of Russian aggression.
Despite the backlash, Allen, in a statement to the Associated Press, maintained his criticism of Putin and the invasion but advocated for the importance of cultural dialogue. He remarked, “I strongly believe that Vladimir Putin is completely wrong when it comes to the conflict in Ukraine. The war he caused is horrifying. But no matter what politicians do, I don’t feel that cutting off artistic conversations is a good way to help.”
The festival, set to take place on Wednesday, promotes Allen as a key figure alongside Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica and American actor Mark Dacascos. This relatively new event, first held in August 2024, is distinct from the long-established Moscow International Film Festival, which distanced itself from the International Film Producers Association following Russia’s actions in Ukraine in 2022.
Kusturica has openly endorsed Putin, even receiving an award from him and participating in a military parade in Moscow earlier this year. Allen’s affinity for Russian culture dates back decades; his 1975 film “Love and Death” features influences from Russian literary greats like Tolstoy, while his 1989 film “Crimes and Misdemeanors” explores themes reminiscent of Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment.”
In a lighthearted 1972 essay, Allen humorously commented on the Russian Revolution, suggesting that serfs began to resist when they realized that their emperor and their serfdom were one and the same.
