Woody Allen Appears at Russian Film Festival: "A Disgrace and An Insult"
Briefly

Woody Allen, long ostracized in Hollywood amid allegations of sexual abuse, appeared remotely as guest of honor at Moscow International Film Week and took part in a Q&A moderated by director Fyodor Bondarchuk. Allen praised the Russian film industry and said he might film a project in Russia, mentioning a script idea centered on the sense of comfort in Moscow and St. Petersburg inspired by his travels. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the appearance as "a disgrace and an insult" to Ukrainian actors and filmmakers harmed by Russian war crimes, warning that culture must not be used to whitewash crimes or serve as propaganda.
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.
Read at Consequence
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