The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed its condemnation of American director Woody Allen's participation in the Moscow International Film Week, considering his visit an affront to the memory of the victims of Russian aggression. Emir Kusturica and Mark Dacascos, who have previously shown support for the Kremlin, will also attend the event along with Allen.
Diplomats emphasized that participating in a festival that brings together supporters of Putin is a silencing of Russia's war crimes against Ukraine. The MFA believes that culture should not be used to whitewash crimes or for propaganda. Diplomats noted that Kusturica and Dacascos have publicly supported Russian policy for almost 8 years. The film directors have not responded to the reaction of the Ukrainian authorities regarding their participation in the festival.
Reaction to High-Profile Scandals
It is important to remember that all three artists have been embroiled in high-profile scandals that went beyond the film industry, particularly regarding accusations of child molestation directed at Allen. Ukrainian diplomats emphasized that the cultural sphere often becomes a tool for political struggle, as was the case with German activists protesting against a Russian singer and her defender.
Ukraine condemned the participation of Woody Allen, Emir Kusturica, and Mark Dacascos in the Moscow International Film Week, considering it an affront to the victims of Russian aggression and a silencing of Russia's war crimes. Ukrainian diplomats emphasize that the cultural sphere should not be used as a tool for political propaganda. It is worth noting that all three directors have been involved in high-profile scandals but have not withdrawn their participation from the festival.