The director, known for award -winning comedies as Annie Hall and Manhattan, appeared by videoconference at the festival on Sunday, August 24 and talked about Russia and his cinema.
A branch of the Ukraine Government has publicly sentenced the participation of Woody Allen in it Moscow Film Festivaldescribing him as “shame” given the continuous invasion of Russia to his country.
The director, known by award -winning comedies as Annie Hall and Manhattanappeared by videoconference at the festival on Sunday, August 24 and talked about Russia and his cinema. “I’ve been in Moscow and St. Petersburg. I always liked Russian cinema”he declared, before praising the epic seven -hour film from 1965, war and peace, shot in the then Soviet Union.
Ukraine government message against Woody Allen
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine criticized the appearance on social networks, publishing in X (previously Twitter): “Woody Allen’s participation in Moscow International Film Week is a shame and an insult to the sacrifice of Ukrainian actors and filmmakers who have been killed or wounded by Russian war criminals in their current war against Ukraine. ”
He continued: “By participating in a festival that brings together supporters and voices of Putin, Allen chooses to ignore the atrocities that Russia commits in Ukraine daily for 11 years. Culture should never be used to cover up crimes or as a propaganda tool. We strongly condemn Woody Allen’s decision to bless Moscow’s bloody festival with his speech“
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the country has been excluded from several cultural events such as the Eurovision Song Festival and the Cannes Film Festival.
On Monday, August 25, Allen declared The Guardian confirming his political position. “With regard to the conflict in Ukraine, I firmly believe that Vladimir Putin is totally wrong,” he said. “The war that has caused is atrocious. But, regardless of what politicians have done, I don’t think cutting artistic conversations is a good way to help“
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
