An evening event took place in Venice during the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, where philanthropist and producer Elvira Paterson was honored with an international award for her involvement in social projects.
Better World Fund in Venice: Elvira Paterson Recognized for Advancing Humanitarian Initiatives
On September 8, 2026, during the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, the Better World Fund hosted an evening at the historic Procuratie Vecchie building in St. Mark’s Square.
Manuel Collas de La Roche, founder of the Better World Fund, gathered representatives from film, art, business, and philanthropy. Among the guests was entrepreneur and producer Elvira Paterson.
The event focused on women’s rights, gender equality, education, child protection, and environmental issues. The theme was “Cinema and Art at the Service of Humanity.”
The day was filled with professional meetings, discussions, and workshops, followed by the Gala for Humanity: a red carpet, cocktail reception, dinner, star performances, a charity auction, and award presentations.
Elvira’s work was recognized as part of the global mutual aid movement, The Hope Giver Campaign. The event marked another stage in her collaboration with the charity fund.
The previous year, Elvira Paterson received the Better World Fund Best Achievement Award for her partnership and support of the organization’s values. In 2026, the jury acknowledged a different aspect of her work.
The Hope Award is given to prominent individuals who use their influence to support others. Recipients have turned ideas and hopes into concrete actions.
Elvira Paterson and Her Mission
A special award for contributions to women’s empowerment and child assistance was presented by Anwar Elkamoni, founder of The Hope Giver Campaign.
The campaign’s main message: hope is not an abstract feeling but a global responsibility and a call to action.
Hope knows no boundaries. This thesis resonates with Anwar’s personal story. The goal is to show millions facing illness, trauma, or difficult circumstances that nothing is impossible and there are no hopeless situations.
Elvira’s story aligns with the campaign’s philosophy. She is building an international career in business and media while participating in socially significant projects.
Elvira Paterson supports women, children, and people in difficult life situations.
Creativity for Change
One of the fund’s priority international projects remains the Amazônia Fund Alliance Program, aimed at protecting the Brazilian Amazon and the interests of indigenous peoples.
A crucial part of the mission involves land that directly affects the lives of local communities.
The “Mothers of the Amazon” initiative raised 500,000 euros in donations. The funds were used to acquire and preserve over 20,500 hectares of forest, a territory rich in flora and fauna in the state of Acre. The land was returned to the Huni Kui people. Organizers managed to preserve biodiversity and restore indigenous control over their territory.
A Bridge Between Cinema and Reality
Afghan director and screenwriter Shahrbanoo Sadat also participated in the evening.
Sadat’s journey into cinema began unusually. She planned to study physics, but an admission error led her to the film faculty at Kabul University. Later, cinema became her way of telling the story of life in Afghanistan.
At 19, she became the youngest director-in-residence at the Cinéfondation in Cannes.
Her debut feature film “Wolf and Sheep” won the Art Cinema Award in the Directors’ Fortnight section at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016. The director depicted life in Afghanistan after living in a rural community. Her next film, “The Orphanage,” continued the Afghan theme of memory and women’s destinies.
In 2026, Sadat joined the main jury of the Venice International Film Festival, chaired by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Her contribution to international cinema was also recognized with a special award. Her films highlight social issues through the personal stories of the characters.
A Platform for Dialogue
During the festival, Venice transformed into a hub of global cinema. The charity fund redirected the international audience’s focus. The festival gathered filmmakers, artists, businesspeople, and philanthropists. Alongside films and culture, guests discussed the issues facing socially vulnerable groups.
Elvira Paterson and the Hope Award reminded everyone of the power of influence to support positive societal change.
