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Veteran director Woody Allen faced renewed scrutiny in 2017 when previously dismissed allegations of sexual harassment involving his adopted daughter resurfaced amidst the MeToo movement. This led to widespread criticism, with many former collaborators distancing themselves, and Hollywood effectively blacklisting him from new film funding.
In recent years, Allen has shifted his focus to the European film scene, writing and directing films such as "Rifkin's Festival" and "Coup de Chance." During his recent attendance at the Moscow International Film Festival, he expressed an interest in filming in Russia, specifically to create stories about life in Moscow and St. Petersburg. He also mentioned that the 1960s adaptation of "War and Peace," directed by Russian filmmaker Sergei Bondarchuk, is one of his favorite films.
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Allen's comments immediately drew sharp criticism from Ukraine, which is currently at war with Russia. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs promptly issued a statement condemning his participation in the Moscow International Film Festival, calling it "extremely disgraceful." The ministry stated that Allen's attendance insulted Ukrainian actors and filmmakers who have been killed or harmed by Russian war criminals during the conflict. They further asserted that by participating in a festival that gathers supporters and voices of Vladimir Putin, Allen chose to ignore the atrocities Russia has committed daily in Ukraine for the past 11 years. The statement emphasized that culture must never be used to whitewash crimes or serve as a propaganda tool, and strongly condemned Allen's actions in celebrating what they termed Moscow's "cold-blooded film festival."
Allen quickly responded this morning, issuing a statement to CNN and The Associated Press. He said, "Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, I firmly believe that Vladimir Putin is completely wrong, and the war he started is a vile act. However, regardless of what politicians do, I don't believe cutting off artistic exchange helps."