Maison Gabrielle at the Better World Fund | Venice FIlm Festival
August 30th 2015 - Maison Gabrielle was honored to take part in the Better World Fund Masterclass & Forum, during the 82nd edition of the Venice International Film Festival. An inspiring gathering of global leaders, artists, and visionaries united by a shared mission—to create meaningful impact through dialogue, creativity, and compassion.
Curated by Enzo Di Taranto, former United Nations diplomat, the event explored “The Ties"
Maison Gabrielle was honored to participate as a sponsor in the Better World Fund Forum, a remarkable gathering of international leaders, artists, and visionaries dedicated to building bridges between cultures through creativity, empathy, and dialogue.
Curated by Enzo Di Taranto, former United Nations diplomat, the event explored “The Ties That Bind: A Journey Toward Understanding and Human Fraternity.” The forum emphasized cinema’s power to go beyond entertainment—becoming a mirror, a compass, and a catalyst for compassion and coexistence.
His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Khalid Ghanim Al-Ghaith, Secretary-General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF), delivered the keynote address, reaffirming the universal call for peace and shared humanity inspired by the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity.
The first session, “Framing a Better World: Pathways to Shared Humanity,” featured H.E. Dr. Cheick Modibo Diarra, Ms. Ketevan Bochorishvili, Ms. Ekaterina Zagladina, and Mr. Ravan Hasanov, moderated by Mr. Herizal Hazri, Senior Advisor to the HCHF and Adjunct Professor at the University of Malaya.
Ukrainian psychologist Natalia Kholodenko led an emotional symposium, “Your Future Is Bigger Than Your Trauma,” offering profound insight into resilience and post-traumatic healing.
In “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, and Dr. Walid El Abed examined how film can inspire understanding and drive social change. Joel Soler, award-winning filmmaker and founder of the Magos Foundation, reflected on the legacy of socially conscious cinema.
The Cinema Day Panel, led by Valentina Castellani-Quinn—award-winning producer, President of Quinn Studios Entertainment, and recipient of the US Congress, UNESCO Peace, and WIFTS Visionary Producer Awards—honored the artistic legacy of Francesco and Anthony Quinn and offered a preview of her upcoming projects, including a documentary on democracy with Thomas Friedman and her leadership of the Matera International Film Festival 2025.
The event culminated in the Gala for Humanity, hosted by two-time Emmy Award winner Vincent De Paul, celebrating outstanding humanitarian achievements.
Guest of Honor: Kevin Spacey, who received a standing ovation.
Awards crafted by: Dante Mortet, fifth-generation sculptor.
2025 Awardees:
- The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity – Best Achievement Award
- Carmen Maura – Best Achievement Award
- Natalia Kholodenko – Best Commitment Award
- Pavel Kir – Best Commitment Award
- Elvira Paterson – Best Achievement Award
In his closing message, BWF Founder Manuel Collas de La Roche shared:
“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 for making this experience truly unforgettable.”
Maison Gabrielle proudly joined the distinguished list of supporters and sponsors including:
Higher Committee of Human Fraternity · Natalia Kholodenko · Maison Gabrielle · Beth Rosenthal · Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace · Adalgisa Conte (Travel Setter Italy) · Anwar Elkamony (The Hope Giver Campaign) · Rocco Buonvino · Studio Mao · Breakings News Arabia · EgyptAir · ENIF Makeup Academy · Hotel Casa Memoria · Joanna Plafsky · Clinique La Prairie Switzerland · L. Raphael · Maia Wine · Il Palagio · Escape Seeker · Casino Partouche · Dr. IVY London · Oorvi Desai London · COMO Uma Bhutan · Villa Bibbiani · DERMASTIR Skincare · Sip Channé · The Royal Portfolio · Thalie Paris · One World Ayurveda · Global Event Magazine · and FAB UK Magazine.
Maison Gabrielle celebrates the enduring message of the Better World Fund: that through culture, compassion, and shared creativity, humanity can indeed build a better, more beautiful world.
Among the distinguished voices was His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Khalid Ghanim Al-Ghaith, Secretary-General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, whose keynote address reaffirmed the universal call for coexistence and mutual respect outlined in the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity.
Across thought-provoking panels—ranging from “Framing a Better World: Pathways to Shared Humanity” to “The Human Lens: Cinema as a Mirror of Compassion and Coexistence”—renowned speakers, filmmakers, and cultural leaders reflected on how storytelling can shape a more united future.
A particularly moving session led by Ukrainian psychologist Natalia Kholodenko, titled “Your Future Is Bigger Than Your Trauma,” touched hearts with its message of resilience and hope.
The evening concluded with the prestigious Gala for Humanity, hosted by two-time Emmy Award winner Vincent De Paul, where luminaries including Kevin Spacey and Carmen Maura were recognized for their artistic and humanitarian contributions. The private auction raised funds for La Princesse Murat, supporting women and children in vulnerable situations, and launched the La Princesse Murat Award for initiatives helping children with autism.
A private auction was also held, co-hosted by Mel Gee Henderson and Vincent De Paul, raising funds for the NGO La Princesse Murat, which supports women and children in vulnerable conditions. The evening also marked the official launch of the La Princesse Murat Award, championing initiatives for children with autism.
Auction lots included extraordinary travel and lifestyle experiences such as:
Ayurvedic Retreat in Bali · Swiss Wellness Escape at Clinique La Prairie · Antarctica Expedition with Antarctica21 · Couture by Stéphane Rolland · Sculptures by Dante Mortet · Safari by The Royal Portfolio · Villa Stay at Bibbiani in Tuscany · Tahiti Brando Island Escape · Sting Magnum Collection signed wine bottles · and exclusive pieces by Hermès, Oorvi Desai, and Thalie Couture.
As Maison Gabrielle continues to support global cultural dialogue, we celebrate the spirit of this remarkable event—a reminder that art, compassion, and shared humanity can indeed create a better world.
