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Woody Allen Joins Moscow Film Week, Where Putin-Backed Directors Take the Stage
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American filmmaker Woody Allen, listed as a headline guest, will take part in the Moscow International Film Week, scheduled for August 24–25 at the MosKino Film Factory, the festival’s press service announced on August 22.
“This year the festival will bring together more than 80 international participants from over 20 countries, including China, India, Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Brazil, Mexico, the US, South Korea, Iran and others. Among the special guests is Woody Allen, a four-time Academy Award winner and the author of more than 50 films, including Midnight in Paris, Annie Hall, and Manhattan,” the statement said.
“He will participate via video link,” a festival representative added. Allen’s talk is set for August 24 and will be moderated by Russian filmmaker and producer Fyodor Bondarchuk.
“In this lecture-meeting, expect a conversation about cinema and life, choice, inspiration, and honesty in the profession. The atmosphere of a confidential dialogue will allow attendees to touch the inner world of the director, understand how stories are born that remain in culture for decades, and hear thoughts that rarely appear in public,” the festival website notes.
Serbian director Emir Kusturica and American actor Mark Dacascos are also among the festival’s special guests.
Dacascos is a world champion martial artist and actor known for roles in John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum and as the host of Iron Chef.
Emir Kusturica is a Serbian-French filmmaker, actor, producer, and musician known for his surreal, naturalistic films about marginalized communities. He has won two Palme d’Or awards at Cannes for When Father Was Away on Business and Underground.
Kusturica has long-standing ties with Russia and its armed forces. In 2016, he received the Russian “Order of Friendship” from Russian leader Vladimir Putin and frequently attends official state events, including the Victory Day Parade on Red Square.
In 2022, former Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu personally invited him to head the Russian Army Theater, citing their “long-standing friendship” and Kusturica’s role “in preserving and developing the best traditions of Russian culture.”
The festival will also prioritize international collaboration and co-productions, with panel discussions, project presentations, and roundtables.
Previously, it was reported that more than 50 Ukrainian writers and artists, a cross-party group of UK MPs, and a former New Zealand prime minister have called on the Royal Ballet and Opera to remove Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko from its upcoming London season.
