Cinema and Philanthropy in St. Mark’s Square: Protecting the Amazon, Elvira Paterson Award, Women’s Initiatives, and The Hope Giver Campaign.
Big Cinema and Real Deeds: Better World Fund in Venice
On September 8, 2026, the historic Procuratie Vecchie hosted representatives from cinema, art, business, and philanthropy. The Better World Fund evening coincided with the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.
The organizers chose the theme Cinema & Art at the Service of Humanity. The focus was on women’s rights, education, gender equality, child safety, and ecology.
The fund’s founder, Manuel Collas de La Roche, brought together people from various professions. A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to charitable initiatives.
Half a Million Euros for the Amazon’s Preservation
One of the key initiatives was the Amazônia Fund Alliance Program. This initiative protects Brazil’s rainforests and the lands of indigenous communities.
In 2026, Mothers of the Amazon received a donation of 500,000 euros. The funds allowed for the purchase and preservation of over 20,500 hectares in Acre.
The land was returned to the Huni Kuin. The indigenous population regained control over their territory, and the forest received additional protection.
The scale of the ecological work is reflected in the numbers: half a million euros in funding and tens of thousands of hectares of protected nature.
Shahrbanoo Sadat: Afghanistan Through the Lens of Auteur Cinema
Shahrbanoo Sadat is an Afghan director and screenwriter who gained international recognition early in her career.
At 19, Sadat became the youngest director selected for the Cannes Cinéfondation residency. Her first feature film, Wolf and Sheep, won the Art Cinema Award at the Directors’ Fortnight at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.
Later came The Orphanage, focusing on Afghanistan, memory, the fates of its characters, and the lives of women.
In 2026, the filmmaker joined the main jury of the international festival chaired by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Sadat’s creative achievements were also recognized with a special award.
Elvira Paterson: Business with a Humanitarian Continuation
Elvira Paterson combines entrepreneurship, production work, and philanthropy. Besides business and media, she participates in projects supporting women, children, and vulnerable people.
Her collaboration with the fund began earlier. In 2025, she received the Best Achievement Award at the organization’s event.
A year later, The Hope Giver Campaign awarded Paterson the Hope Award, acknowledging her charitable contributions.
This story aligns with the Better World Fund’s concept: professional fame can serve not only a career but also socially significant goals.
Anwar Elkamony: Hope as a Reason to Act
The award was presented by Anwar Elkamony, founder of The Hope Giver Campaign.
His initiative translates hope into practical terms—support for those in need, charity, and new opportunities.
This idea complemented the evening’s agenda. Environmental tasks were paired with the protection of childhood, women’s rights, social issues, and the work of philanthropists.
Film Festival with a Social Agenda
During the festival days, the city attracts directors, actors, producers, journalists, and public figures from around the world. Such attention provides charitable organizations with a significant public platform.
Behind the ceremonial part this time were concrete results. The donation helped preserve a large section of the Amazon rainforest, the Huni Kuin regained their land, and representatives of the creative and business communities were recognized for their professional and social contributions.
The ecological initiative ensured the protection of a natural area. Sadat was recognized for her achievements in cinema. Elvira Paterson received an award for her philanthropic activities.
Thus, the motto Cinema & Art at the Service of Humanity gained practical content. Art attracts audiences, charity provides funding, and public attention supports environmental and social initiatives.
For the city, this is another side of big cinema: the red carpet becomes not the end of the event but the beginning of a conversation about issues beyond the screen.
In Brief
Where was the event held?
The meeting took place on September 8 at Procuratie Vecchie in St. Mark’s Square and coincided with the 83rd international film festival.
How was Elvira Paterson recognized?
In 2026, Elvira Paterson received the Hope Award. A year earlier, she was awarded the Best Achievement Award.
What are the results of the project in Brazil?
Funding of 500,000 euros helped preserve over 20,500 hectares of forest in Acre. The land was returned to the Huni Kuin.