Amidst the timeless allure of the 80th Edition of the Venice Film Festival, La Mostra, on the 7th and 8th of September, 2023, the Better World Fund (BWF) orchestrated a grand event, attracting over 300 distinguished prestigious guests at the Ca’ Sagredo Hotel and La Scuola Grande Della Misericordia di Venezia.
The luminous gathering included renowned personalities like Isabelle Huppert, Jeremy Piven, Euzhan Palcy, Tom Volf, Keira Chaplin, Nadia Farès, Elisabeth Moreno, Joyce El-Khoury, and many others, all converging to raise awareness about “Women Empowerment” through the medium of Cinematic Art in service to humanity.
Since its inception in 2016, the Paris-based non-profit organization Better World Fund has curated prestigious international events and cultural programs, championing tangible actions and inspiring change. This year’s extravaganza, set against the magnificent backdrop of Ca’ Sagredo Hotel and the Misericordia di Venezia, witnessed influential figures from diverse corners of the world united by a common vision to influence society’s future positively.
Manuel Collas de la Roche, President and Founder of Better World Fund, passionately stated, “In the heart of the magic of La Mostra, the BWF edition in Venice will celebrate women and raise awareness about the place and power of women in the film industry. Today, we are convinced that the cinema industry holds a statutory role as a vector of social, educational, and environmental values.”
The gala evening on September 8th at La Scuola Grande Della Misericordia bore witness to an assembly of remarkable individuals who added their weight to the cause of Women Empowerment, passionately embodying the spirit of Maria Callas. Euzhan Palcy, an eminent filmmaker, stood as a poignant symbol of this theme, celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements, including being the first Black director to win the Silver Lion at the 1983 Venice Mostra.
In this edition, with a resolute focus on “Women’s Empowerment,” the Better World Fund stood firmly behind the Maria Callas Foundation, a homage to her centenary. Mrs. Diane Kalogeropoulos, Maria Callas’s great-niece, graced the event with her presence, adding a personal touch to the tribute.
A leading Maria Callas expert, Tom Volf, took the stage to shine a light on his latest directorial venture alongside Monica Bellucci, aligning seamlessly with the foundation’s commitment to curate archives for a museum collection. This collaboration beautifully reinforced the event’s overarching theme of empowerment.
A significant highlight of the event was the Masterclass Conference titled “From Script to Screen: Empowering Women in the World of Cinema,” held on September 8th at La Scuola Grande Della Misericordia. The conference shed light on the crucial role of the cinema industry in offering diverse and complex roles for women, thereby shaping positive role models that challenge traditional expectations.
The discussion panel, “Empowering Women in the World of Cinema,” featured influential women and experts dedicated to advocating for women’s place, protection, and equality in our society. The event also showcased an engaging panel on “Empowering Women in the World of Business & Philanthropy,” offering deep insights with expert support.
The day culminated with a lavish Gala Dinner at La Scuola Grande Della Misericordia, featuring captivating artistic performances and an award ceremony. At each edition, the Better World Fund recognizes individuals committed to social, cultural, and environmental causes.
This year, several notable figures were honoured for their exceptional contributions and commitments, such as Samia Yusuf Omar, posthumously, Elisabeth Moreno, Jeremy Piven, Joyce El-Khoury, Euzhan Palcy, Dr. Solanges Vivens and Sindaco Onorevole Cateno.
The Better World Fund Venice Edition was made possible through the generous support of esteemed partners and sponsors, demonstrating a shared dedication to promoting positive change and empowerment.
Encouraged by its success and impact, the upcoming 2024 Better World Fund editions promise to be rich and inspiring with the following events: TAORMINA, 19th, 20th and 21st of April, under the patronage of the Mayor of the city of Taormina and in association with Quinn Studios Entertainment; the CANNES International Film Festival on May 18th and 19th; VENICE Film Festival, Mostra, during the first week of September.
In this remarkable confluence of art, empowerment, and advocacy, the Better World Fund continues to exemplify its dedication to fostering a world where women are empowered, celebrated, and recognized for their invaluable contributions to society. The echoes of this event will resonate far and wide, igniting a spark for change and progress towards a more inclusive and equal world.
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Article edited by Massimo Basile
Editorial Director