On August 24, 2025, acclaimed American filmmaker Woody Allen appeared via videoconference at Moscow International Film Week, igniting a firestorm of criticism from the Ukrainian government and sparking debate across the international film community. Allen’s participation, which included remarks about his admiration for Russian cinema and the future of film in the age of artificial intelligence, was swiftly condemned by Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as “a disgrace and an insult” to victims of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, according to The Associated Press and The Kyiv Independent.
The controversy erupted the following day, August 25, when Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement. “This is a disgrace and an insult to the memory of the Ukrainian actors and filmmakers who have been killed or injured by Russian war criminals during Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” the Ministry declared. The statement, quoted by The Kyiv Independent, went further: “By taking part in a festival that brings together Putin’s supporters and mouthpieces, Allen is deliberately turning a blind eye to the atrocities that Russia has been committing in Ukraine every day for 11 years.” The Ministry insisted that “culture should never be used to whitewash crimes or serve as a tool of propaganda.”
Allen, 89, is best known for his films Annie Hall and Manhattan, and has long been a prominent figure in American independent cinema. His appearance at the festival came at a time when most of the Hollywood establishment has rallied behind Ukraine, with actors supporting the United24 crowdfunding initiative and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy making virtual appearances at major awards shows. In contrast, Allen’s virtual address was broadcast on Russian state TV to a packed movie theater, with pro-Kremlin director Fyodor Bondarchuk moderating the session, as reported by Rolling Stone and The Associated Press.
During his appearance, Allen discussed his appreciation for Russian cinema, recounting past visits to Russia and the Soviet Union. According to Russian media cited by The Associated Press, he expressed, “only good feelings for Moscow and St. Petersburg,” though he clarified he had no plans to direct a film there. Allen also shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of cinema, particularly the impact of artificial intelligence, and praised the tradition of Russian filmmaking.
The festival itself, Moscow International Film Week, is a relatively new event, having first launched in August 2024. It is distinct from the older Moscow International Film Festival, which lost its International Federation of Film Producers Associations accreditation in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This year’s edition, running through August 27, 2025, also featured Serbian director Emir Kusturica—an outspoken supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin—and American actor Mark Dacascos as headliners, according to The Associated Press.
Ukraine’s condemnation was not limited to Allen’s mere presence. The Ministry’s statement, published online and echoed across multiple outlets, accused Allen of “deliberately turning a blind eye to the atrocities that Russia has been committing in Ukraine.” The Ministry argued that by joining a festival “that unites Putin supporters and mouthpieces,” Allen was helping to legitimize a regime responsible for war crimes and the deaths of Ukrainian artists and civilians. The Ministry concluded, “Culture must never be used to whitewash crimes or serve as a propaganda tool. We strongly condemn Woody Allen’s decision to bless Moscow’s bloody festival with his address.”
In response to the backlash, Allen issued statements to both The Associated Press and The Guardian, seeking to clarify his position. “When 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,” Allen said. He continued, “But, whatever politicians have done, I don’t feel cutting off artistic conversations is ever a good way to help.” Allen’s comments underscored his belief in the value of cultural exchange, even in times of conflict, a stance that has drawn both support and criticism within the international arts community.
Allen’s affinity for Russian literature and history is well documented. His 1975 film Love and Death parodies the works of Tolstoy and other Russian novelists, while the title of his 1989 film Crimes and Misdemeanors nods to Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment. In a 1972 essay, Allen humorously referenced the Russian Revolution, writing that the serfs rebelled when they “finally realized that the Czar and the Tsar were the same person.” This longstanding cultural interest may help explain his willingness to engage with Russian audiences, but it has not shielded him from harsh criticism amid the ongoing war.
The timing of Allen’s participation could hardly have been more sensitive. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, thousands of civilians have been killed or wounded, and Ukrainian cities have suffered repeated attacks. The war, now in its fourth year, has led to widespread international condemnation of the Russian government and a near-total boycott of Russian cultural events by Western artists and institutions. In this context, Allen’s willingness to address a Russian audience—even virtually—stood out in sharp relief.
The festival’s other headliners have not escaped scrutiny, either. Emir Kusturica, for example, has openly supported Putin, received awards from the Russian president, and attended military parades in Moscow this year, as noted by The Associated Press. The event, therefore, has been viewed by some observers as a platform for pro-Kremlin voices, further fueling Ukraine’s anger over Allen’s participation.
Allen’s career in recent years has been marked by controversy beyond the political realm. His last two films were produced in Europe with overseas financial backing after his Hollywood deal with Amazon was terminated amid longstanding sexual abuse allegations, which Allen has consistently denied and for which he was cleared in two investigations. The resulting lawsuit against Amazon was settled out of court, as reported by Rolling Stone. Despite these controversies, Allen has continued to work, premiering his 50th film, Stroke of Luck, in Barcelona in 2023.
For now, the debate over Allen’s Moscow appearance shows no sign of abating. The Ukrainian government’s forceful condemnation highlights the intense sensitivities surrounding cultural engagement with Russia during wartime, while Allen’s defense of artistic dialogue raises questions about the boundaries of cultural exchange in a world riven by conflict. As the festival draws to a close, the episode leaves both the film world and international observers grappling with the complex intersection of art, politics, and moral responsibility.
