by Olivier Acuña Barba •Published: August 25, 2025•23:09•2 minutes read
Woodyanne elicited harsh criticism and backlash from many people, including Ukraine. Credit: Lucky Team Studio/Shutterstock
World-renowned filmmaker and actor Woody Allen participated in a Q&A with pro-Vladimir director Putin. He also appeared on Mosque Winetern National Film Week, which drew backlash from Ukraine and many others.
The Oscar-winning producer, 89, took part in the event via video links rather than in person, and participated in an interview with Russian director Fyodor Bondarchuk. According to To Euro News. The festival’s website described the slot as a “confidential atmosphere of dialogue,” allowing participants to “expose the director’s inner world, understand the stories that have remained in culture for decades, and hear ideas that rarely appear in public places.”
Allen took the opportunity to express his admiration for the Russian film, saying in the conversation that AI cannot write about the level of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s book. With his appearance, he faced a conflict with Hollywood facilities that had embraced the Ukrainian cause during the 42-month Russian war. According to To the AP.
“Strangeness and insults”
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Online Statement On Monday, August 25th, Allen’s participation in the festival was “strongly condemned” and said it was “collecting Putin’s supporters and mouthpieces.”
The ministry called it “disgrace and humiliation towards the victims among Ukrainian actors and filmmakers who were killed or injured by Russian war criminals.”
in statement On Monday, the Associated Press told the Associated Press that Allen criticized Putin and condemned the invasion, but called for continued cultural exchange. “I strongly believe that Vladimir Putin is completely wrong when it comes to the conflict in Ukraine. The war he caused is horrifying,” Allen said. “But no matter what politicians do, I don’t feel that cutting off artistic conversations is a good way to help.”
Marek Magierowski, Director of Poland Program Strategy at Freedom Institute (Think Tank), I said Allen is “a great film director and a morally corrupt man.” Woody was a target of more negatives Comments on x.
