Woody Allen introduced his new film in Madrid: The production receives 3 million euros in support.

The 90‑year‑old American director Woody Allen is preparing to return to the camera for the 51st film of his career. While the film's promotion is being held in Madrid, it was announced that a total sponsorship of 3 million euros will be provided by the City of Madrid and the Madrid Autonomous Community for the production, which will be shot in Madrid and Aranjuez.

Filming Begins on 5 October

The filming of the movie, which has not yet been given an official title and is temporarily referred to as “Wasp 2026,” will begin on 5 October. The shoot, planned to last about six weeks, will take place at more than 30 different locations in Madrid and Aranjuez.

Described as a contemporary comedy, the film will explore themes of love, intrigue, and infidelity within a diplomatic atmosphere. The cast includes Alexi Wasser, Jemima Kirke, Peter Vives, Marton Csokas, and Jakob Oftebro. A significant portion of the technical crew will be made up of Spanish film professionals.

Madrid's Name Will Feature in the Film

The sponsorship support for the project, provided by the City of Madrid and the regional administration, will total 3 million euros, amounting to 1.5 million euros per person. While the film's budget is said to be about 12 million euros, the support from public institutions accounts for roughly a quarter of the total cost.

Among the conditions of the sponsorship agreement is the use of the name Madrid in the film's title and the visible inclusion of the city's recognizable landmarks in the production. Madrid authorities view the project as an initiative aimed at boosting the city's international cultural, tourism, and film visibility.

Allen Stays Distant from Political Questions.

During the Madrid promotion, Allen was also asked about the city's housing crisis and related protests. The director, while avoiding a detailed assessment of current political debates, said that his film is primarily built around human relationships and romantic themes.

Allen also expressed serious concern about the rise of fascism worldwide and stated that he is opposed to its various forms.

Madrid will host Allen's third film in Spain.

The new production will be Allen's third film made in Spain. The director had previously worked behind the camera in the country on the films 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' and 'Rifkin's Festival'.

Allen said that one of the main reasons for choosing Madrid as the primary setting of his new film was the city's atmosphere and architecture. With the project’s completion, Madrid is expected to be introduced to an international audience on a large scale.

The Director's Past Controversies Return to the Spotlight

The film's announcement also brought Allen's long-discussed private life and the accusations against him back into the public conversation.

Allen's former partner Mia Farrow's adopted daughter Dylan Farrow had accused the director of sexual abuse in 1992. Allen, however, consistently denied the allegations. An investigation was conducted in Connecticut regarding the incident, but no criminal charges were filed against Allen.

The director stated that he had not accepted the allegations over the years, and the controversies resurfaced in the public eye especially after the #MeToo movement and the 2021 release of the documentary series “Allen v. Farrow.”

Another controversial issue in Allen's personal life was his relationship with Mia Farrow's adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn. While their relationship became public in the early 1990s, Allen and Previn married in 1997.

Despite all these debates, Allen continues to pursue his film career. The new film that will start in Madrid will be recorded as the 51st production in the director's career.