The Cinema for Gaza auction has successfully raised over $200,000, marking a significant achievement, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. This remarkable outcome was made possible by a surge of last-minute contributions from prominent celebrities in the entertainment industry.
The auction, organized by a group of UK-based filmmakers and film journalists including Hanna Flint, Julia Jackman, Leila Latif, Sophie Monks Kaufman, and Helen Simmons, saw a number of new items added just before its conclusion. Notably, actor Joaquin Phoenix, a dedicated supporter of the cause, donated a signed Joker poster. Phoenix, also known for signing a letter backing Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar speech, contributed another autographed poster from the film You Were Never Really Here, alongside director Lynne Ramsay.
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Other notable contributions include six autographed books by renowned director Guillermo del Toro, a signed script of The Crown from actor Emma Corrin, and a one-of-a-kind Cinema for Gaza painting by director Tony Kaye, known for American History X. Additionally, Saturday Night Live writer Julio Torres offered a personal chat and a custom tattoo design, further diversifying the range of auction items.
Since its launch on March 28, the auction has garnered contributions from over 200 lots, featuring items from Spike Lee, Paul Mescal, Olivia Colman, Tessa Thompson, Josh O’Conner, Tilda Swinton, and many more. The organizers expressed their gratitude, stating, “We are deeply moved and inspired by the generosity of both donors and bidders. Our dedicated team of volunteers is honored to facilitate this initiative, providing crucial aid through Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) – the sole NGO currently operating in the north of Gaza.”
Closing on April 12, the auction supports MAP in its mission to deliver medical assistance in Gaza amid ongoing conflicts. The local health authority in Gaza has reported over 32,000 Palestinian casualties in Israeli retaliation to Hamas’ October 7 attack, resulting in more than 1,100 Israeli fatalities.
