During the 78th Cannes Film Festival on 20 May 2025, the Better World Fund hosted one of the season’s most prestigious gatherings of cinema, philanthropy and global leadership at the Carlton Beach Club and Hotel Carlton in Cannes. The evening was marked by a VIP gala dinner, masterclasses, auctions and red-carpet moments with international celebrities — all in support of humanitarian causes through cinema and art.
What Is the Better World Fund
The Better World Fund is an international philanthropic organisation founded in 2016 by Manuel Collas de La Roche, driven by the belief that cinema and art can inspire positive social, cultural and environmental change. Through its programs, the Fund highlights and supports high-impact initiatives tackling inequality, education, gender rights, sustainability and humanitarian relief. Events bring together public figures, artists, business leaders, diplomats and civil society to raise awareness and financial support for partner NGOs.
According to its mission statement, the Better World Fund aims to use the power of culture — especially film and visual art — to cultivate global citizenship and contribute to reducing inequalities across communities worldwide.
Cannes Gala Dinner 2025: Carlton Beach and Carlton Hotel
The Better World Fund Gala Dinner at Cannes is a hallmark of the festival’s social calendar, blending artistic celebration with humanitarian impact. On 20 May 2025, Khaled by the Carlton Hotel — overlooking the Mediterranean — guests gathered for an evening that included:
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Masterclasses and thought leadership sessions on sustainability, equality and education.
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A red-carpet welcome and cocktail reception ahead of dinner.
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The Gala Dinner — a formal seated event featuring awards, artistic performances and charity auctions.
India was the Country of Honour during this edition, with cultural showcases and recognition of Indian cinema, and humanitarian initiatives led by Amma’s organisation Embracing the World. The evening also supported the Salaam Baalak Trust, a Delhi-based NGO that provides shelter, education and care to street children.
Notable Guests and Award Honorees
A roster of distinguished honorees received recognition for their artistic and humanitarian achievements. Among them were:
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Mira Nair, acclaimed filmmaker based in India and Hollywood, celebrated for films including Monsoon Weddingand Salaam Bombay!.
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Kevin Spacey, the American actor, honoured during the gala for his contributions to film and television.
Kevin Spacey | Better World Fund | The Carlton Beach Cannes | Cannes Film Festival | Photo by Anna Gav -
Nandita Das, Indian actor and director.
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David Wood, Marc Peine, Christian Vosseler, Keni Silva, Chiara Tilesi and Prince Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse of Thailand.
The dinner combined ceremony and spectacle with an auction of luxury experiences and objects, including a high-profile auction lot featuring a day with Kevin Spacey — reportedly won for 500,000 euros — underscoring the commitment of attendees to support meaningful causes.
Program Highlights and Activities
The better world program went beyond the evening gala. A Masterclass series convened thought leaders including Guila Clara Kessous, UNESCO Artist for Peace, focusing on women’s rights, gender equality and education. Enzo di Taranto, sustainability strategist and former campaign manager at the United Nations, led discussions on harnessing economic opportunities within the green and blue economy era.
Beyond Cannes, past editions have blended film forums with discussions on social inequality, environmental preservation and cultural heritage. These include charity events in Venice, Paris and earlier Cannes gatherings supporting causes from women’s empowerment to ocean conservation.
Founders and Organisers
The Better World Fund was established by Manuel Collas de La Roche, a humanitarian and producer who envisioned a platform that merges culture with positive social impact. Under his leadership, the organisation has attracted global cultural figures, diplomats and philanthropic partners.
While the organisation does not publicly list all its executive team members on its website, past events have included prominent collaborators such as UNESCO artists and leaders from international NGOs.
How to Attend and VIP Experience
Attending a Better World Fund gala or VIP event involves advance booking and specific packages, often several months before the festival season:
Ticket Categories and Pricing (Cannes 2025 as Example)
The 2025 Cannes gala offered several ticket tiers available through the organisation’s ticketing platform:
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Ambassador Seat around 2,400 €.
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Great Patron VIP Seat around 3,600 € with priority access and exclusive gifts.
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Presidential Seat for 6,000 €, offering priority red-carpet access, VIP gifts and prime table placement.
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Presidential Table and VIP Pack around 32,400 €, including premium seating in the Golden Area, priority access to events and red-carpet privileges.
These packages typically include cocktail reception, gala meal, awards ceremony and networking opportunities alongside artists, filmmakers, diplomats and business leaders.
Exclusive Experiences for VIP Guests
VIP ticket holders can expect:
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Priority entrance and seating near the stage.
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Access to the red carpet and photo opportunities with celebrity guests.
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Exclusive gifts and festival merchandise curated for patrons.
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Networking brunch the following day, reserved for high-level badge holders.
Looking Ahead: Better World Fund Events in 2026 and Beyond
The Better World Fund has announced a schedule for 2026 that continues its mission of blending culture with humanity. Planned highlights include:
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A Cannes Film Festival 2026 edition on 19 May 2026, with similar gala programming and masterclasses around cinema’s role in social impact.
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A Hope Giver Program scheduled for 7–9 November 2026, likely featuring panels, awards, and fundraising across humanitarian sectors.
These upcoming events reaffirm the Fund’s commitment to creating platforms where the film industry intersects with philanthropy, education and sustainable development.
Conclusion: A Festival of Art With Purpose
The Better World Fund represents a growing trend at major cultural gatherings — using film, creativity and public presence to drive meaningful change. Its gala in Cannes 2025 at the Carlton Beach Club brought together cinema, high society and humanitarian ambitions on an elite stage. With upcoming events in 2026 and continued global outreach, the Fund continues to position itself as a bridge between creative expression and social impact, drawing celebrities, leaders and patrons who believe in a world where art serves humanity.
