American filmmaker Woody Allen has defended his appearance at a Russian film festival, stressing that he finds the war in Ukraine “appalling.”

Woody Allen Comments on Moscow Film Week, Emphasizes Opposition to Putin

Fez ﹘ Allen joined Moscow International Film Week on August 24 via video link for a Q&A with pro-Kremlin director Fyodor Bondarchuk, during which he praised Russian cinema and hinted he might consider making a film in Russia.

Responding to the backlash over his comments, Allen told the Associated Press that, while he values cultural exchange, he strongly opposes Putin’s actions.

“When it comes to the conflict in Ukraine, I strongly believe that Vladimir Putin is totally in the wrong,” Allen said. “The war he has caused is appalling. But, whatever politicians have done, I do not feel cutting off artistic conversations is ever a good way to help.”

Moscow International Film Week was launched in 2024 and is separate from the Moscow International Film Festival, which lost its international accreditation in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sharply criticized his participation, saying that by engaging with Moscow’s cultural platforms, Allen was lending legitimacy to “a bloody festival” featuring President Vladimir Putin’s allies.

“Woody Allen’s participation in the Moscow International Film Week is 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,” the ministry said in a statement.

It added that “culture must never be used to whitewash crimes or serve as a propaganda tool.”