Better World Fund (BWF) hosted a notable charity event in Ca’ Sagredo Hotel & La Scuola Grande Della Misericordia di Venezia on September 7th & 8th during the 80th Edition of the Venice Film Festival with more than 300 attendees and famous guests such as Isabelle Huppert, Jeremy Piven, Euzhan Palcy, Tom Volf, Keira Chaplin, Nadia Farès Elisabeth Moreno, Joyce El-Khoury, and many others to raise awareness on “Women Empowerment through Cinematic Art at the service of humanity.”
As the Official Media Partner, Chic Icon had a great chance to have a private conversation with the President & Founder of BWF, Manuel Collas de La Roche, on the most relevant topics.
What does women’s empowerment mean to you?
Women’s empowerment holds a profound significance in my perspective, and it resonates deeply with the core values of the Better World Fund. To me, women’s empowerment represents the tireless journey towards creating a world where every woman, irrespective of her background or circumstances, has the unwavering support and opportunities needed to realize her full potential. It encompasses a multifaceted approach that extends from breaking down the barriers that hold women back to challenging societal stereotypes that perpetuate gender inequalities. At its essence, women’s empowerment embodies the belief that women should have equal access to education, resources, and opportunities, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to pursue their dreams, ambitions, and aspirations. It’s about fostering a sense of self-worth, agency, and autonomy among women, enabling them to contribute positively to society, and ultimately fostering a world where gender equality is not just a distant goal, but a living reality.
Which women’s empowerment initiatives do you support in BWF?
Within the Better World Fund, our commitment to women’s empowerment is unwavering, and we actively support a range of initiatives aimed at achieving this noble cause. Among the many initiatives we are involved in, I’d like to highlight the top three that currently hold a special place in our hearts. Firstly, there’s the Zeffirelli Foundation, which we are excited to be supporting in Taormina in 2024. This foundation aligns perfectly with our mission and values, and we are eagerly looking forward to collaborating with them. Secondly, the Maria Callas Foundation, which we had the privilege to support in Venice in 2023, continues to be a beacon of empowerment through the arts. Lastly, the Akbaraly Foundation, which we had the honor of supporting in Cannes in 2023, has made remarkable strides in promoting women’s well-being and empowerment. These initiatives are not just symbolic of our commitment but also a testament to the global effort to create a more inclusive and equitable world for women.
How went your latest BWF edition during the Venice Film Festival 2023?
The latest edition of the Better World Fund during the Venice Film Festival in 2023 was an extraordinary success by all accounts. The gala evening held on September 8th at La Scuola Grande Della Misericordia was truly remarkable, attended by luminaries such as Isabelle Huppert, Jeremy Piven, and the renowned Soprano Joyce El-Khoury. Their presence and support reaffirmed our shared commitment to the cause of Women’s Empowerment in the image of Maria Callas. Symbolizing our thematic focus, we had the privilege of commemorating Euzhan Palcy, a celebrated filmmaker, for her incredible contributions to the world of cinema. The evening was not only a celebration of art and culture, but also a testament to the collective resolve to empower women and create a better world.
What are the highlights of the event?
One of the standout highlights of the event was the masterclass conference, which brought together some of the most influential women on the planet. This masterclass, titled “From Script to Screen: Empowering Women in the World of Cinema,” was a testament to the transformative power of cinema in shaping societal perceptions. We firmly believe that by providing women with more diverse and complex roles in the film industry, we can offer positive role models that challenge traditional expectations and promote women’s emancipation. The masterclass was expertly moderated by Mrs. Elisabeth Moreno, President of Tech-Foundation and Former Minister in charge of Gender Equality, Diversity, and Equal Opportunities. It featured influential women and experts from various fields who are tirelessly working to advance the position, protection, and equality of women in our society. The discussions held during this panel were not only enlightening but also served as a catalyst for further progress thanks to the speakers: Nadia Fares, Yasemin Samdereli, Kiera Chaplin, Tarina Patel, Valentina Castellani, Euzhan Palcy, Dr. Solanges Vivens, Karine Gros and Lorène Ferrandès, Jeremy Piven and Tom Volf.
Which events are planned for 2024?
Looking ahead to 2024, we have an exciting lineup of events that continue our dedication to women’s empowerment. In Taormina, our 3-day program, set against the backdrop of the ancient Greek theater on the 19th, 20th, and 21st of April, promises to be a momentous occasion. This program has garnered the high patronage of the Mayor and the City of Taormina, in association with Quinn Studios and Valentina Castellani, underscoring the significance of our mission. We are particularly thrilled to continue our collaboration with the Zeffirelli Foundation, which has a rich legacy of promoting culture and the arts. Additionally, we are planning programs during the Cannes Film Festival at the Carlton Cannes Hotel on the 18th and 19th of May and during the Venice Film Festival in the first week of September. These events will serve as platforms to further our cause and rally support for women’s empowerment.
What kind of charity initiatives are you planning to support next year?
In the year 2024, our commitment to charitable initiatives will remain steadfast, with a primary focus on initiatives that empower women. As we recognize 2024 as the year of women’s empowerment for a better world, our endeavors will revolve around supporting organizations and programs that uplift women, providing them with opportunities for growth, education, and professional development. Our goal is to actively contribute to the realization of gender equality on a global scale. We believe that by fostering a supportive environment and promoting initiatives that empower women, we are not only creating a more just and equitable world, but also unlocking the immense potential of half of our global population. It is our privilege and duty to champion the cause of women’s empowerment, and we are dedicated to making a tangible and lasting impact in the year ahead and beyond.
It is important to note that the Venice event was held thanks to the precious support of 314 Cannes Group, NAD Clinic, Homolog, IIWB, Joanna Plafsky, Studio Mao, Squair, Clinique La Prairie, Maia Wine, SDB New Delhi, Luxury International Magazine, Chic Icon Magazine, ParisSaclay University, Paris-Saclay Foundation, Open Culture Foundation, Luxury Limited Edition, Luxury Investment Magazine, Rinascimento Magazine, Celebre Magazine, Fab UK Magazine, United Studio, Culture Focus Magazine, Global Event Magazine, Parole Paris, Breaking-News-Arabia.com, Qatar-Media.tv, Dubai-Media.tv, Breaking-NewsSaudi-Arabia.com, Breaking-News Kingdom-of-Bahrain.com, Opportunitysaudi.com, Opportunity-Mena.com, Opportunity-Europe.com.
Read more INTERVIEWS here
