Key Facts:
Woody Allen Interview: Woody Allen participated in a virtual interview for Moscow’s International Film Week.
Interviewer: The interviewer was Russian director Fyodor Bondartchuk, a supporter of Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian Condemnation: The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry condemned Allen’s appearance, calling it a “disgrace and an insult” to Ukrainian actors and filmmakers harmed by Russia. They accused Allen of ignoring russian atrocities and stated that culture should not be used to whitewash crimes.
Allen’s Comments: Allen reaffirmed his admiration for Russian cinema, citing Sergei Bondartchuk’s “War and Peace” as a favorite. He said he has “only good feelings for Moscow and St.Petersburg” but no plans to film in Russia.
ukrainian Campaign: Ukraine has been campaigning for Russia’s cultural isolation since the start of the war in 2022 and has denounced Western personalities participating in Russian events.
Allen’s Reaction: Allen reacted to the criticism in a statement to the Guardian.
