Woody Allen’s Moscow film appearance sparks outrage in Ukraine

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry sharply criticized American director Woody Allen after he appeared via video conference at Moscow International Film Week, labeling the move “a disgrace and an insult” to the victims of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Allen’s participation placed him at odds with much of Hollywood, which has shown consistent solidarity with Ukraine during the three-and-a-half-year conflict. Prominent actors have supported the Ukrainian fundraising platform United24, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy himself has made appearances at major global award shows such as the Golden Globes and the Grammys.

Russian state television aired Allen’s remarks, moderated by pro-Kremlin filmmaker Fyodor Bondarchuk.

During the session, Allen praised Russian cinema, recounted past visits to Russia and the Soviet Union, and even said he would consider directing a film in Russia if invited.

The festival, launched in 2023, billed Allen as one of its “headliners,” alongside Serbian director Emir Kusturica and American actor Mark Dacascos, who attended in person.

Allen has a long-standing interest in Russian literature and history, having referenced Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and the Russian Revolution in his past works.