Venice shone with a special light during the days of the Better World Fund (BWF), which returned for the third consecutive year to the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. A two-day event of meetings, art and galas transformed the Lagoon into a stage of elegance and international dialogue, between the historic halls of Palazzo Nani Mocenigo and the timeless charm of the Cipriani Hotel.
Making the 2025 edition even more memorable was the presence of two-time Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey, BWF’s guest of honor. The actor, welcomed with a long applause during the final ceremony, lit up the gala evening with charisma, confirming the international aura of an event that combines cinema and social engagement.
Sculpture and memory: the exhibition of Dante Mortet
Opening the event on Aug. 29 was the inauguration of Dante Mortet’s exhibition The Magnificent 7 – Masterful Hands. The Roman artist presented to the public a series of bronze sculptures inspired by casts of the hands of great movie icons: from Robert De Niro to Quentin Tarantino, from Martin Scorsese to maestro Ennio Morricone. “Each hand holds a story, a fragment of life that becomes eternal art,” Mortet said, thrilling visitors.
Cinema as a mirror of humanity
On August 30, The Human Lens: Cinema as a Mirror of Compassion and Coexistence forum focused on cinema as a tool for universal dialogue and brotherhood. Organized in collaboration with The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, it gave voice to intense and diverse testimonies.
Ukrainian psychologist Natalia Kholodenko moved the audience by speaking about trauma and resilience: “The strength of the human being lies in the ability to transform pain into awareness.” Joel Soler, an award-winning director, offered a reflection on the role of cinema in history as an engine of social change. Finally, Valentina Castellani-Quinn led the Cinema DAY panel, emphasizing “the urgency of a production ethic that puts peace at the center of storytelling.”
Glamour and solidarity on the red carpet
The day ended with the highly anticipated Gala Dinner and Better World Fund Awards ceremony. On the red carpet, international guests, glittering elegance and the excitement of an audience that warmly welcomed Kevin Spacey. “To be here in Venice, at an event that celebrates cinema and humanity, is a privilege,” said the actor, confirming the special bond that unites him with the Laguna.
The awards, original works created by Dante Mortet, were presented in the categories of Best Commitment Award, Best Achievement Award and Best Engagement Award, recognizing figures who have distinguished themselves through humanitarian and social commitment.
A new prize for children
Great attention was paid to solidarity efforts: this year the BWF supported the NGO La Princesse Murat, which works to guarantee basic rights for women and children in need. The La Princesse Murat Award, dedicated to autistic children, was also launched during the ceremony, a concrete sign of hope and inclusion.
Art as a lever of change
Founder of the Better World Fund, Manuel Collas de La Roche, closed the edition with words of gratitude and vision, “This Venetian edition was a confirmation that cinema and art are very powerful tools to inspire and mobilize humanity. We sincerely thank our guests, partners and supporters for helping to make this an unforgettable experience.”
An edition, the 2025 edition, that demonstrated how the magic of cinema can be transformed into a universal message of solidarity, beauty and hope.
