He added that he does not believe boycotting art or cultural exchange helps anyone. “Whatever politicians have done, I don’t feel cutting off artistic conversations is ever a good way to help.”
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In the middle of an ongoing war that has divided the world, Woody Allen has found himself caught in a storm of criticism. The filmmaker is facing sharp backlash for speaking at a film festival in Moscow, a move that many see as an endorsement of Russia during its conflict with Ukraine.
Allen, however, insists his appearance was never about politics. “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 told The Guardian.
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Yet, he added that he does not believe boycotting art or cultural exchange helps anyone. “Whatever politicians have done, I don’t feel cutting off artistic conversations is ever a good way to help.”
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His comments arrived after Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned his participation, calling it deeply offensive. The ministry accused him of helping to “whitewash” Russia’s image by joining an event hosted by filmmaker Fyodor Bondarchuk, a known ally of Vladimir Putin.
Allen did not physically travel to Moscow but appeared through video link. Still, Ukrainian officials reacted strongly, describing his involvement as “a disgrace and an insult” to Ukrainian actors and filmmakers who have suffered or lost their lives because of the war.
“By taking part in a festival that brings together Putin’s supporters and voices, Allen chooses to turn a blind eye to the atrocities Russia commits in Ukraine every single day for 11 years now,” the ministry’s statement said. It added that culture should never be used as a propaganda tool or a way to cover up crimes.
Meanwhile, Russian reports highlighted that Woody Allen spoke warmly about Russian cinema, praising the works of classic filmmakers and expressing affection for Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The 88-year-old Oscar-winning director has had a complicated relationship with Hollywood in recent years. After resurfaced allegations of child sexual abuse, Amazon Studios canceled a multi-film deal with him.
Since then, he has largely worked in Europe.
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