Woody Allen Appears at Russian Film Festival: “A Disgrace and An Insult”

Largely ostracized from Hollywood, Woody Allen found a more welcoming stage over the weekend at a Russian film festival.

The 89-year-old filmmaker — whose career has been derailed by longstanding allegations of sexually abusing his adopted daughter — appeared remotely on Saturday as the guest of honor at Moscow International Film Week, where he participated in a Q&A moderated by director Fyodor Bondarchuk.

During his remarks, Allen reportedly praised the Russian film industry and said he would consider filming a project in the country if such an opportunity materialized. He specifically mentioned the idea of a script centered on the sense of comfort in Moscow and St. Petersburg, inspired by his own previous travels to the Russian cities.

Allen’s appearance was condemned by Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who said his participation was “a disgrace and an insult to the sacrifice of Ukrainian actors and filmmakers who have been killed or injured by Russian war criminals in their ongoing war against Ukraine.”

“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,” the ministry added.

Oh come on, not Woody Allen! As Russia drenches Ukrainian cities in blood, Woody Allen participates in the Moscow film festival, interviewed by pro-war Russian director and senior member of Putin’s party, Fyodor Bondarchuk. The color scheme is apt at least. pic.twitter.com/7mAqWcqhzg

— Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) August 24, 2025