Woody Allen’s Appearance at Moscow Film Week Sparks Ukrainian Backlash

Is art inherently political, or can it ever stand apart from politics?
The question resurfaced this week after American filmmaker Woody Allen appeared by video link at the Moscow International Film Week, prompting sharp criticism from Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry called the gesture “a disgrace” and “an insult.”

On August 24, the 89-year-old director took part in the festival’s program Legends of World Cinema through a virtual appearance. The discussion was moderated by Russian filmmaker Fyodor Bondarchuk, a vocal supporter of President Vladimir Putin.

Russian state media reported that Allen praised Russian cinema during the exchange and cited Sergei Bondarchuk’s Oscar-winning adaptation of War and Peace. 

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned his participation, saying it meant turning a blind eye to Russian atrocities in Ukraine. The ministry said culture “should never be used to whitewash crimes or as an instrument of propaganda.”

Allen later issued a statement to the press, clarifying 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,” he said. He added that, in his view, art stands above politics: “But, whatever politicians have done, I don’t feel cutting off artistic conversations is ever a good way to help.​​​​​.”

The Moscow International Film Week is a relatively new event, distinct from the Moscow International Film Festival, which lost its international accreditation in 2022 after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.