{"id":376089,"date":"2025-08-26T22:50:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T22:50:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/376089\/"},"modified":"2025-08-26T22:50:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T22:50:13","slug":"woody-allen-defends-joining-russia-film-festival-ukraine-calls-it-a-disgrace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/376089\/","title":{"rendered":"Woody Allen Defends Joining Russia Film Festival, Ukraine Calls It a Disgrace"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\tWoody Allen<\/a> is defending his recent appearance at Russia\u2019s Moscow International Film Week, which prompted Ukraine\u2019s Foreign Ministry to slam the director as a \u201cdisgrace\u201d amid Russia\u2019s ongoing invasion of the country. Allen attended the event in Moscow via video conference and spoke about his love for Russian cinema and his potential interest in directing a movie in Russia, among other topics, per the Associated Press.<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cWoody Allen\u2019s participation in the Moscow International Film Week is a disgrace and an insult to the sacrifice of Ukrainian actors and filmmakers who have been killed or injured by Russian war criminals in their ongoing war against Ukraine,\u201d Ukraine\u2019s Foreign Ministry posted on social media after Allen\u2019s appearance. \u201cBy taking part in a festival that brings together Putin\u2019s supporters and voices, Allen chooses to turn a blind eye to the atrocities Russia commits in Ukraine every single day for 11 years now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cCulture must never be used to whitewash crimes or serve as a propaganda tool. We strongly condemn Woody Allen\u2019s decision to bless Moscow\u2019s bloody festival with his address,\u201d the Ministry concluded.<\/p>\n

\n\tIn a statement to The Associated Press and CNN<\/a>, Allen defended his right to attend the film-oriented event in Russia and criticized the country\u2019s leader, Vladimir Putin.<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cWhen it comes to the conflict in Ukraine, I believe strongly that Vladimir Putin is totally in the wrong. The war he has caused is appalling,\u201d Allen said. \u201cBut, whatever politicians have done, I don\u2019t feel cutting off artistic conversations is ever a good way to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tPer CNN: \u201cThe Moscow International Film Week is sponsored by Russian state media, state-owned companies and the Moscow City Government. Russian director Fyodor Bondarchuk, who is a Putin ally and has publicly supported Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine,\u201d moderated the conversation with Allen.<\/p>\n

\n\tAllen has remained ousted from Hollywood after sexual assault allegations made by his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow resurfaced during the #MeToo movement. But he has found ways to continue directing and releasing films outside of the U.S. His 2020 comedy \u201cRifkin\u2019s Festival\u201d was shot in San Sebastian and premiered at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, while 2023\u2019s French-language thriller \u201cCoup de chance\u201d premiered at Venice Film Festival.<\/p>\n

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Woody Allen\u2019s participation in the Moscow International Film Week is a disgrace and an insult to the sacrifice of Ukrainian actors and filmmakers who have been killed or injured by Russian war criminals in their ongoing war against Ukraine.<\/p>\n

By taking part in a festival that\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/qQyQrqMh2z<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 MFA of Ukraine \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@MFA_Ukraine) August 25, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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