In regards to the #MeToo movement, there seems to be a world of difference in attitude in Europe than in the United States, particularly when it comes to artists. The US, with its cancel culture (whether or not you believe this is good), feels that once an artist, no matter who it is, is found to have been involved in sexual misconduct, they’re effectively blacklisted from future work. However, some of those artists have been able to find a career path in Europe, where the general feeling is much more about separating the art from the artist (again, your mileage may vary on that argument). One of those people who has found this to be true is Woody Allen.
Not only is Allen currently in production on a new film in Europe right now, tentatively titled “Rivkin’s Festival,” but according to Deadline, his latest film, “A Rainy Day in New York,” is about to be the opening night film at the Deauville American Film Festival in France. After a long, bitter, still-unresolved legal battle with Amazon, Allen’s previously-shelved film starring Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning has found a venue for a premiere, just a couple of weeks before it arrives in French cinemas.
Allen’s most recent issues in Hollywood stem from the allegations of sexual assault against a minor from decades ago. Even though the issue has been in the public eye for years, it wasn’t until #MeToo became a thing that people suddenly remembered Allen’s alleged crimes and effectively forced him out of his deal with Amazon and into a life of European filmmaking.
“A Rainy Day in New York,” which is a film about a young married couple that encounters struggles and perhaps new love while in NYC, was put on indefinite hold by Amazon, but was recently given back to Allen, who is set to release the film in Europe and is looking for distribution elsewhere. The film is part of the Amazon deal that is currently in a legal battle worth upwards of $68 million.
Though maybe not as high-profile as Venice or Cannes, the Deauville American Film Festival is a French festival that highlights recent works from American filmmakers. The festival isn’t really known for having many world premieres but has been a place that has showcased Allen’s work over the years.
The event kicks off on September 6, with “A Rainy Day in New York” screening at the festival before its September 18 French release date.