Woody Allen begins filming 51st movie in Madrid

American director Woody Allen has commenced filming his 51st feature film on the streets of Madrid. The production, which began in early October, is scheduled to last six weeks. The city of Madrid and the regional government are sponsoring the project to promote the capital as a global cinematic hub, with the film's title required to include the word 'Madrid'. Local authorities estimate the production will generate approximately 1,200 jobs.

During the shoot, the 90-year-old director visited the Museo del Prado, expressing deep admiration for its collection. Allen compared the museum's significance to those in his home city of New York, stating, “Nunca he visto nada igual” (I have never seen anything like it), and described the works of Velázquez, Murillo, and Goya as a banquet found nowhere else in the world.

Allen, a four-time Oscar winner, noted that European cities offer an exotic atmosphere with wide boulevards and historic architecture that contrasts with the American settings of his earlier famous works. The production takes place in central districts, including Retiro.