Venice, August 30, 2025
While the world watches red carpets and premieres, there's an event that transforms the Festival's glamour into concrete action for humanity: the Better World Fund Gala Dinner, now in its fifth consecutive edition in Venice.
When Cinema Meets Philanthropy
At the prestigious Hotel Cipriani, one of the jewels of the Venetian lagoon, an event took place that goes beyond socializing: an evening where celebrities, diplomats, cultural leaders, and figures from international solidarity gathered to give voice to those working for a better world.
The Better World Fund, founded in 2016 by Manuel Collas de la Roche, uses the power of cinema and art as a vector for humanitarian values, social awareness, and concrete change.
Two Days of Commitment and Inspiration
The 2025 edition unfolded over two intense days between Palazzo Nani Mocenigo and Hotel Cipriani:
August 29: Art and Dialogue
The day opened with the inauguration of the exhibition "The Magnificent 7 – Masterful Hands" by Dante Mortet: bronze sculptures inspired by hand casts of cinema legends like Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Ennio Morricone. A tangible homage to the masters who shaped the seventh art.
The Cinema Day Panel, led by Valentina Castellani-Quinn (award-winning producer and president of Quinn Studios Entertainment), explored the role of socially conscious cinema in promoting social causes and transforming public awareness.
August 30: The Gala for Humanity
The culminating evening at Cipriani featured Kevin Spacey, whose presence made the Better World Fund Awards ceremony unforgettable. A red carpet dedicated not to vanity, but to those who have a certain effect on the world.
Auctions, Awards, and Real Projects
During the evening, an exclusive private auction took place with extraordinary lots: trips, luxury experiences, and haute couture. But the real luxury was knowing that every bid transformed into concrete help.
Auction proceeds were donated to projects supporting women and children, including initiatives related to Princesse Murat's association and a new award dedicated to children with autism.
Once again, the Better World Fund demonstrated that it's possible to directly connect red carpet glamour to measurable social results, transforming visibility into concrete resources for those who need them most.
Why This Gala Is Different
Venice doesn't lack glamorous events. But the Better World Fund stands out for a unique approach:
The format that works:- Gala dinner with charity auctions whose proceeds go directly to supported foundations
- Masterclasses and conferences on women's rights, gender equality, and education
- Awards recognizing leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists generating positive impact
- Networking connecting those with resources to those doing fieldwork
This year the gala supported the Fondazione Donà dalle Rose, continuing a tradition that since 2016 has supported over 30 international foundations, from the Denis Mukwege Foundation to the David Lynch Foundation, from the René Moawad Foundation to the Maria Callas Foundation.
Our Visual Twins Perspective
Photographing a charity gala is different from capturing a film premiere. Here we don't just look for the perfect dress or red carpet smile: we look for real emotion, the moment when an award recipient truly understands their work has been recognized, the instant when an auction bid transforms into hope for a child with autism.
The soft lighting of Cipriani, the emotional faces, hands raised during the auction, applause when the total raised is announced: these are the moments that tell a deeper story than superficial glamour.
Cinema as a Vector for Change
Founder Manuel Collas de la Roche states that "cinema and art seemed an obvious way to raise awareness" for global impact. And Venice, with its history, prestige, and ability to attract worldwide attention, is the perfect stage.
More Than an Event: A Community
The Better World Fund doesn't limit itself to organizing charity evenings. It builds an international network of changemakers – people who believe that associating their name with causes of public interest isn't just right, but necessary.
Through strategic media partnerships, the organization amplifies messages and initiatives on a global scale, transforming each gala into a moment of visibility for projects that would otherwise remain in the shadows.
Conclusion
In a world that often seems dominated by superficiality and self-interest, the Better World Fund Gala at Venice represents a concrete alternative. It's proof that it's possible to use the visibility of a major event for purposes that go far beyond personal promotion.
For us at Visual Twins, documenting this event means capturing not only glamour, but also substance. Not just appearances, but real commitment. Not just the dress, but the heart of those wearing it and why they're there.
Because true beauty isn't just aesthetic—it's also and above all moral.
Follow @visual.twins for complete coverage of events that combine style and substance!
