Venice, September 2, 2025 – Against the backdrop of the world’s oldest film festival, the Better World Fund (BWF) returned to Venice for its fifth consecutive year, affirming its reputation as a global platform where cinema, diplomacy, and humanitarianism converge.

Under the High Patronage of H.I.&R.H. Prince Murat VIII and in collaboration with the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, the two-day program unfolded across the storied Palazzo Nani Mocenigo and the Cipriani Hotel. It was a gathering that united luminaries from film, culture, diplomacy, and social impact in an atmosphere of dialogue, celebration, and purposeful action.

A Night of Stars and Solidarity

The centerpiece of the 2025 edition was the Better World Fund Awards Ceremony, graced by Guest of Honor Kevin Spacey, the two-time Academy Award winner whose presence drew a standing ovation. Sculptor Dante Mortet, a fifth-generation Roman artisan, designed the bespoke awards presented to this year’s honorees, further elevating the evening.

The 2025 laureates included:

  • The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity – Best Achievement Award
  • Carmen Maura – Best Achievement Award
  • Natalia Kholodenko – Best Commitment Award
  • Pavel Kir – Best Commitment Award
  • Elvira Paterson – Best Achievement Award

The Gala Dinner and red carpet were followed by a private charity auction hosted by Mel Gee Henderson and Vincent de Paul, raising significant funds for the NGO La Princesse Murat. Exclusive lots included an Antarctic expedition, a Clinique La Prairie wellness retreat, couture gowns by Stéphane Rolland, rare wines from the Sting Magnum Collection, and escapes to Tahiti, Tuscany, and South Africa.

Art and Conversation

BWF opened with the inauguration of Dante Mortet’s exhibition, The Magnificent 7 – Masterful Hands, showcasing bronze sculptures cast from the hands of cinema icons including Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Ennio Morricone.

The program continued with a Masterclass curated by Enzo Di Taranto, former United Nations diplomat, featuring the forum The Ties That Bind: A Journey Toward Understanding and Human Fraternity. Moderated by Herizal Hazri, the panel included global leaders and cultural figures who explored cinema’s power as a mirror of society and a catalyst for empathy and coexistence.

Keynote speaker H.E. Ambassador Dr. Khalid Ghanim Al-Ghaith, Secretary-General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, underscored the urgency of intercultural dialogue and the principles outlined in the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity.

Healing and Humanity

The symposium Your Future is Bigger Than Your Trauma was led by acclaimed Ukrainian psychologist Natalia Kholodenko, herself a war refugee, who delivered a deeply moving session on trauma, PTSD, and resilience. Her message—that “your future is bigger than your trauma”—resonated profoundly with the audience.

Further panels highlighted cinema’s transformative role. At The Human Lens: Cinema as a Mirror of Compassion and Coexistence, speakers including Nabil Ayouch, Joel Soler, and Shahad Ameen reflected on film’s ability to mobilize societies and spark global conversations. Award-winning producer Valentina Castellani-Quinn, President of Quinn Studios Entertainment, led Cinema Day, honoring the artistic legacies of Francesco and Anthony Quinn while unveiling her forthcoming projects.

A Commitment to Change

This year, the BWF spotlighted La Princesse Murat, an NGO defending the rights of women and children in vulnerable conditions. In Venice, the organization launched the La Princesse Murat Award, dedicated to supporting initiatives for children with autism.

BWF Founder Manuel Collas de La Roche summarized the spirit of the event:

“This Venetian edition confirmed that cinema and art are among the most powerful tools to inspire and mobilize humanity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished guests, partners, and supporters for making this experience truly unforgettable.”

Partners and Supporters

The 2025 Better World Fund was made possible with the generous support of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, Natalia Kholodenko, Beth Rosenthal, Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace, La Prairie Switzerland, L.Raphael, Maison Noir SA, Maia Wine, Paris J’Adore Hôtel & Spa, Casino Partouche, and numerous international collaborators.