Ukraine condemns Woody Allen at Moscow International Film Week

American filmmaker Woody Allen appeared remotely to headline the Moscow International Film Week, a festival organized by the Moscow Mayors Office, drawing sharp condemnation from Ukraine’s government and highlighting the political resonance of cultural events amid Moscow’s ongoing confrontation with Kyiv. Allen joined one of the festival’s signature sessions via video link, participating in a moderated dialogue about his approach to cinema and his memories of Russian culture, while the event itself underscores Moscow’s effort to position the city as an international hub for filmmakers and audiences.

The festival runs from August 23 to 27 and features screenings, lectures and business forums intended to promote Moscow as a center for global cinema. Allen was billed as the main guest of honor for the Legends of World Cinema program and spoke in a session moderated by Fyodor Bondarchuk, a prominent Russian director who has publicly expressed support for the Kremlin. The program was described as an intimate dialogue aimed at revealing the inner processes behind a filmmaker’s work, including the choices that shape lasting cultural impact. Allen has often drawn attention for his...