Better World Fund at the Venice International Film Festival 2025

Center Izabela Zofia Switon-Kulinska with Erik Roberts and guests.

Izabela Zofia Switon-Kulinska at the Gala evening in Venice.

Following the resounding success during the Cannes Film Festival, the Better World Fund repeats its success ceremony at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival 2025. The Better World Fund Awards Ceremony was graced by the distinguished presence of two-time Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey, who attended as the event’s Guest of Honor. Under the High Patronage of H.I.&R.H. Prince Murat VIII. In collaboration with The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, the 2025 edition of the Better World Fund (BWF) concluded with remarkable success, marking its fifth consecutive appearance at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival.

BWF Founder Manuel Collas de La Roche stated:
“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.“

Over two days, events hosted at the historic Palazzo Nani Mocenigo and the iconic Cipriani Hotel brought
together leading figures from cinema, diplomacy, culture, and international solidarity. Once again, BWF
reaffirmed its position as a premier global platform for dialogue, awareness, and action.
The Awards Ceremony was elevated by the presence of acclaimed actor Kevin Spacey, whose participation
made the evening truly unforgettable.

Opening & Dante Mortet Exhibition

On August 29, the program opened with the inauguration of Dante Mortet’s exhibition “The Magnificent 7 – Masterful Hands”, which captivated audiences with bronze sculptures inspired by hand casts of cinema legends such as Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Ennio Morricone.

The Better World Fund Masterclass brought together internationally renowned speakers who shared ideas
and expertise, proposing concrete solutions to pressing societal challenges.
• Curator: Enzo Di Taranto, former United Nations diplomat
The forum “The Ties That Bind: A journey Toward Understanding and Human Fraternity” explored how
cinema can go beyond entertainment, acting as a mirror, a compass, and a catalyst for compassion and
coexistence.
The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity played a leading role in promoting intercultural dialogue and
peaceful coexistence, delivering the keynote address in alignment with the values of the Abu Dhabi

The discussion evolved into a dynamic exchange between artists, cultural leaders, public officials, and key
international figures, deepening the conversation on how film and diplomacy, art and empathy, can work
hand in hand. A renowned international celebrity shared insights on the role and potential of “celebrity
diplomacy” in conflict resolution, questioning whether visibility can truly translate into responsibility and
action.

Keynote Speaker: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Khalid Ghanim Al-Ghaith is the Secretary-General
of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF), providing the strategic vision and leadership to
advance the Committee's global mission of promoting peace, human fraternity, and mutual coexistence as
outlined in the historic Abu Dhabi Document. A distinguished Emirati diplomat with a career spanning over
three decades, Ambassador Al Ghaith has held a series of critical posts that have shaped the UAE's
international engagement. He served as the UAE Ambassador to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia and
Brunei, where he was instrumental in strengthening bilateral ties, fostering economic partnerships, and
enhancing cultural diplomacy. Ambassador Al Ghaith’s career is a testament to his deep commitment to
diplomatic excellence and his unwavering belief in cooperation as the foundation for a more peaceful and
prosperous global community. His leadership is pivotal in driving the HCHF's mandate to foster a universal
culture of respect and shared humanity.

Session one: “Framing a Better World: Pathways to Shared Humanity”
Speakers: H.E. Dr. Cheick Modibo Diarra, Ms. Ketevan Bochorishvili, Ms. Ekaterina Zagladina, Mr. Ravan
Hasanov
Masterclass Moderator: Mr. Herizal Hazri, Senior Advisor to the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity in
Abu Dhabi, UAE, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Malaya, Malaysia. Mr. Hazri has been involved in pivotal peace processes, including the Bangsamoro Peace Agreement, and has advised on high-
level international engagements, including the US-ASEAN Summit.

Symposium – “Your Future is Bigger Than Your Trauma”
Keynote Speaker: Natalia Kholodenko
Renowned Ukrainian psychologist Natalia Kholodenko led a moving session on the emotional impact of
trauma and PTSD. Drawing from her experience as a clinician and war refugee, she explained how trauma
reshapes the nervous system and how hope, strength, and self-reclamation can help heal and restore purpose.
Her core message resonated deeply: “Your future is bigger than your trauma.”
https://nataliia.kholodenko.net
Session two: “The Human Lens: Cinema as a mirror of Compassion and Coexistence”
Speakers: Carolina Terzi, Dwayne Ryan Menezes, Jihan K., Shahad Ameen, Nabil Ayouch, Brad
Bailey, Joel Soler, Dr. Walid El Abed
The discussion examined the transformative power of film to reflect, inspire, and mobilize humanity through
storytelling, emotion, and shared experiences.
Joel Soler, award-winning filmmaker and founder of the Magos Foundation, offered a historical reflection on
socially conscious cinema and its ability to advance social causes, foster coexistence, and influence public
awareness.
Cinema DAY Panel: Led by Valentina Castellani-Quinn, award-winning producer and President of Quinn
Studios Entertainment, who celebrated the artistic legacy of Francesco and Anthony Quinn and shared
insights from her career, including receiving the US Congress Award, UNESCO Peace Award, and WIFTS
Visionary Producer Award. She also presented her upcoming documentary on democracy (with Thomas
Friedman) and her forthcoming role leading the Matera International Film Festival 2025.

Gala for Humanity – August 30th
The event culminated with the prestigious Gala Dinner, the red carpet, and the much-anticipated Better
World Fund Awards.
• Guest of Honor: Kevin Spacey, who received a warm ovation from the audience.
• Awards Crafted By: Dante Mortet, 5th-generation sculptor.
• 2025 Awardees:

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

The awards recognized exceptional commitment, concrete achievements, and inspiring engagement in the
fields of humanitarian and social impact.
Private Auction:
Hosted by Mel Gee Henderson & Vincent de Paul, the auction raised funds for the NGO La Princesse Murat.
Lots included luxury travel, wellness retreats, couture fashion, art pieces, and rare wine collections, such as:
• Ayurvedic Retreat in Bali
• Swiss Wellness Escape at Clinique La Prairie
• Antarctica Expedition with Antarctica21
• Couture by Stéphane Rolland
• Dante Mortet Sculptures
• South Africa Safari by The Royal Portfolio
• Tuscany Villa Bibbiani Stay
• Tahiti Brando Island Escape
• Sting Magnum Collection (limited edition signed bottles)
• Hermès, Oorvi Desai, and Thalie Couture Lots
Commitment to Social Causes
In 2025, the Better World Fund devoted special attention to the NGO La Princesse Murat, dedicated to
defending the rights of women and children in vulnerable conditions. During the event, BWF officially
launched the “La Princesse Murat Award”, supporting initiatives for children with autism.
Message of Hope
BWF Founder Manuel Collas de La Roche stated:
“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

Supporters & Sponsors
Higher Committee of Human Fraternity – Natalia Kholodenko – Beth Rosenthal – Hotel Nani Mocenigo
Palace – Adalgisa Conte (Travel Setter Italy) – Anwar Elkamony (The Hope Giver Campaign) – Rocco
Buonvino – Studio Mao – Breakings News Arabia – Hotel Casa Memoria – Joanna Plafsky – La Prairie
Switzerland – L.Raphael – Maison Noir SA – Maia Wine – Paris J’Adore Hôtel & Spa – Casino Partouche
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