Cinema and Art in the Service of Humanity

Women’s Rights – Gender Equality – Education.  Changemakers shaping a better world, on 8 September 2026 at the Procuratie in St Marco Square, Venice  changemakers shaping a better world at the Procuratie in St Mark’s Square, Venice The Better World Fund once again took centre stage during the Venice Film Festival with its “Gala for Humanity”, held on 8 September 2026 at the Procuratie in St Marco Square. Bringing together influential figures from the worlds of cinema, philanthropy, diplomacy and innovation, the event highlighted the power of art and culture as catalysts for meaningful global change. Organised under the high patronage of the Arab Republic of Egypt in France, with the support of H.E. Tarek Dahroug, Ambassador of Egypt to France, and his wife Alia El-Sirafi, this year’s edition paid tribute to Egypt and celebrated its rich cultural heritage. The event was presented in collaboration with Anwar Elkamony’s Hope Giver Campaign, further strengthening the Better World Fund’s commitment to high-impact humanitarian initiatives. “We believe that today the film industry has an essential role to play as a vehicle for social, educational and environmental values. Raising public awareness is a fundamental pillar of art, as is the need to give greater visibility to powerful and compelling films driven by the desire to make a positive impact on the world,” said Manuel Collas de la Roche, President and Founder of the Better World Fund.  A tradition dedicated to those making a positive impact. 

Over the years, the Better World Fund has recognised and honoured an extraordinary array of international figures. Previous editions have welcomed and celebrated Hollywood icons including Susan Sarandon, Sharon Stone, Kevin Costner, Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, Isabelle Huppert, H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Mary J. Blige and David Lynch, alongside renowned activists, business leaders, philanthropists, ambassadors and members of royal families. The “Gala for Humanity” began at 7:30 p.m. at the Procuratie, St Mark’s Square 105, Venice, with a red-carpet reception, followed by a charity dinner, artistic performances and the presentation of the Better World Awards. The evening also featured a special tribute to the Amazônia Fund Alliance and the Akbaraly Foundation. The event honoured a distinguished group of personalities from cinema, culture, diplomacy and social engagement with the Better World Fund Award, including international model and former rhythmic gymnast Vialina Lemann; Shahrbanoo Sadat, writer, filmmaker and producer; Beth Powell, Jamaican airline captain, filmmaker and producer; Julian Mylchreest; Thierry Klemeniuk; Soraya Chaar, Amazônia Fund Alliance; and Anwar El Kamony, Founder of the Hope Giver Campaign, a global movement launched in 2021 to inspire hope and support vulnerable communities worldwide.

Better World Fund Masterclass: A Platform for Dialogue  Ahead of the Gala, on 8 September from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Procuratie, the Better World Fund brought together international leaders, policymakers, artists and innovators for a high-level masterclass. Structured around two sessions “Stories, Scripts, Screens: Can We Sculpt a Better World through Cinema?”, curated by Valentina Castellani Quinn, and “Artificial Intelligence for a Better World”, with Enzo di Taranto the programme explored how diplomacy, cinema and technology can contribute to building a more equitable and sustainable future. Discussions addressed the role of artificial intelligence in education, sustainability, cinema and global development, with a particular focus on women’s empowerment, gender equality and the future of education. Key themes included the legacy of AI for future generations and its impact on storytelling, culture and society. The programme featured a distinguished group of speakers and panellists. The cinema session, “Stories, Scripts, Screens: Can We Sculpt a Better World through Cinema?”, moderated by Valentina Castellani Quinn, brought together Shahrbanoo Sadat, writer, filmmaker and producer (in collaboration with the Venice Film Festival); Matt Hookings, actor and CEO of Camelot Films; Clara McGregor, actress and producer; Alexandre Bouchet, film director; Luke Faulkner, film producer; and Michela Scolari, film producer. Together, they explored how cinema can contribute to building a safer, fairer and more inclusive world. The session dedicated to artificial intelligence was moderated by Enzo di Taranto, with the participation of Cinzia Catalfamo Akbaraly, President of the Akbaraly Foundation, and Angelina Usanova, Miss Universe Ukraine 2023 & Miss Eco-International 2024. Together, the two sessions reflected the Better World Fund’s mission to foster dialogue and collaboration across different sectors, using culture, technology, diplomacy and cinema as catalysts for a more inclusive and forward-looking future. Partners and Supporters  The Better World Fund thanks its partners for their invaluable support:  Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace; the Embassy of Egypt in Paris; EgyptAir, a Star Alliance member; The Human Safety Net; Amazônia Fund Alliance Program; Akbaraly Foundation; Relentless Magazine; Thalie Paris; Christophe Como RJC Project Management LLC; Enif Make Up Academy; Obsidian; To Share The Italian Good Living; Vitiamo; A Pinch of Soul; Studio Mao; L. Raphaël; La Prairie Switzerland; Dante Mortet; Adalgisa Conte of Travel Setter Italy; Anwar El Kamouni and The Hope Giver Campaign; Camelot Films; ENIF Makeup Academy; Sting and Il Palagio Vineyard; RepoStage Magazine; Joanna Plafsky; Maia Wine; Dr. IVY London; SANCTA CRUX Wine; La Giuva; Christophe Romo of Leganovo.  Honouring the Amazônia Fund Alliance Program  Special recognition is given to the support of the Amazônia Fund Alliance Program. Launched in 2023 during the Cannes Film Festival at the Better World Fund Gala, and working in partnership with the Brazilian Federation of UNESCO Clubs and Associations, the Program connects local communities and environmental initiatives with international partners, specialist expertise and resources. Since its launch, the Amazônia Fund Alliance Program has supported and connected a growing network of organisations and initiatives, including SOS Amazônia, ANMIGA, AmazoniAlerta, O’Organismo, Centro Huwã Karu Yuxibu, HealthRoots Project, Mermaid Hotel Amazon, Mothers of the Amazon and Yemaya Productions.

Together, these organisations and initiatives work across complementary areas including biodiversity conservation, forest restoration, Indigenous rights and women’s leadership, cultural heritage preservation, community health, food security, access to technology, intercultural dialogue, sustainable development and the amplification of Indigenous voices through media and film. The Amazônia Fund Alliance Program is supported by internationally renowned public figures and philanthropists, whose involvement helps amplify its mission, visibility and impact. Through its international network, the Program helps these organisations and initiatives increase their visibility, build strategic connections and gain access to funding, technical expertise and other forms of support tailored to their specific needs.

In 2026, two major initiatives provide tangible evidence of the impact of this work. Confidential Thanks to an extraordinary €500,000 donation from one of the Amazônia Fund Alliance Program’s benefactors to Mothers of the Amazon, the organisation was able to support the acquisition and protection of 20,501 hectares of forest and biodiversity in the Acre region, returning the land to the Huni Kui people. A film to understand what the peoples of the forest are fighting to protect The Amazônia Fund Alliance Program supported the film “RAONI”, directed by Alexandre Bouchet, helping to mobilise funding for the project and bring greater attention to the legacy of Chief Raoni and a century-long struggle to protect the Amazon. This commitment reaffirms a fundamental belief: protecting the Amazon also means protecting the voices and stories of those who defend it. At Better World Fund Venice 2026, the Better World Award will recognise the Amazônia Fund Alliance Program’s continued commitment to protecting the Amazon, supporting Indigenous communities and transforming international support into concrete action. The Amazônia Fund Alliance Program The Amazônia Fund Alliance Program works alongside Indigenous communities, local organisations and international partners to support conservation projects, cultural heritage protection, reforestation and community-led initiatives throughout the Brazilian Amazon. Through responsible partnerships, international advocacy and resource mobilisation, the Program helps empower the people and organisations working every day to protect the Amazon and the communities that call it home. Akbaraly Foundation – Care for People, Life for the World  It is a great joy and privilege to be part of the Better World Fund, alongside people who share the belief that meaningful change is possible when solidarity is translated into concrete action. The Akbaraly Foundation was established in 2008 from the vision of its Founder and President, Cinzia Catalfamo Akbaraly, and from one fundamental principle: access to healthcare and education should never depend on where a person is born, their economic circumstances or whether they are a woman. For almost twenty years, the Foundation has worked to transform this vision into a concrete and lasting commitment. In Madagascar, where its founder has lived for 30 years, more than 80% of the population lives on less than two dollars a day, and for far too many people access to essential healthcare remains out of reach. Every day, the Akbaraly Foundation’s teams work to help change this reality, bringing healthcare, wellbeing and protection to the most vulnerable communities, who too often have no alternative means of accessing the care they need. Through its medical centres, laboratories, Mobile Unit and community-based programmes, the Foundation places particular emphasis on women’s and children’s health, cancer prevention and early diagnosis, maternal health and support for people in the most vulnerable circumstances. To date, the Akbaraly Foundation has provided more than 300,000 healthcare services, including over 80,000 breast cancer screenings, 75,000 cervical cancer screenings and 22,000 paediatric consultations. At the same time, through awareness, prevention and screening campaigns, it has reached more than one million people. These achievements reflect an ongoing commitment: to transform solidarity into action and help make the right to healthcare a tangible and accessible reality for everyone. But behind every number is a person. There is a woman who, thanks to a timely diagnosis, can return home to her family. There is a child, once weakened by malnutrition, who can now grow, learn, play and imagine a future. There is a community receiving the tools it needs to protect its health and that of future generations. Yet for every person reached, many more are still waiting — for a screening, a diagnosis, treatment, essential medicines or adequate nutrition. Or simply for someone to make them feel that they have not been forgotten. Every donation enables the Akbaraly Foundation to reach more patients, provide more care, strengthen its healthcare facilities and bring essential assistance to the places where it is needed most. Supporting the Foundation does not simply mean funding a programme. It means helping to make essential healthcare and life-changing opportunities possible. It means restoring dignity and hope and, in some cases, offering a second chance. The Akbaraly Foundation invites everyone who shares its values to support its work and contribute to building a future in which quality healthcare and education are not privileges reserved for a few, but opportunities accessible to all. Because where a person is born should never determine their ability to live, learn, grow and build their future. Because caring for people means giving new life to the world. https://www.betterworld.fund Photography by The Visual Twins