Overview

• Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry labeled Allen’s participation a shame and an insult to Ukrainian actors and filmmakers, accusing him of ignoring atrocities committed in Ukraine.
• Allen, in comments reported by The Guardian and in a statement to the Associated Press, called the invasion atrocious and said cutting artistic conversations is not a good way to help.
• The filmmaker appeared by videoconference on August 24 as a featured guest at Moscow International Film Week, with the session moderated by pro-Kremlin director Fyodor Bondarchuk.
• Russian state outlet RIA Novosti reported Allen said he would consider filming in Russia if offered, while other Russian press said he indicated he had no such plans.
• The festival, running August 23–27, presents itself as an international hub with more than 80 participants from over 20 countries and features figures such as Emir Kusturica and Mark Dacascos.