UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: International stars attend fundraiser for amfAR Aids Research in Dubai as part of 'Cinema Against Aids' strategy

Record ID: 644618

  • Title: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: International stars attend fundraiser for amfAR Aids Research in Dubai as part of 'Cinema Against Aids' strategy
  • Date: 13th December 2007
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF THE AMFAR EVENT VARIOUS SPEECHES TAKING PLACE AT EVENT
  • Embargoed: 28th December 2007 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: United Arab Emirates
  • Country: United Arab Emirates
  • Topics: Entertainment,Social Services / Welfare
  • Reuters ID: LVA89X3V89FCWIWABE7NBPM0QNQF
  • Story Text: Sharon Stone, in Dubai attending this year's International Film Festival, hosted a fund-raising event for amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, to raise money and awareness in a region where AIDS is still considered a taboo.
    Stars from Hollywood, Bollywood and the Arab world descended on the red carpet at the Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort in Dubai for the fund-raising dinner and auction.
    'I think we are happy as artists to know that we are coming together as artists and working together in the movie community to work in AIDS awareness' said Sharon Stone upon arrival.
    Other stars, including Michelle Yeoh, Hayden Christensen and Gloria Estefan graced the red carpet ahead of the event which is part of the program of the 'Cinema Against AIDS Dubai', held in association with the Dubai International Film Festival.
    AmfAR, one of the world's leading organisations which raises money for AIDS research and HIV prevention treatment education, regularly hosts charity auctions during film festivals such as the annual one in Cannes. According to organisers, the charity has invested over 260 million US dollars in its program since 1985. AmfAR's chief executive said that he hoped to raise at least one million (USD) at the event.

    "We are hoping. If we are really lucky, maybe we will make a little bit more than that," said Kevin Frost.
    The Film Festival began on Sunday (December 9) and will continue for a week with 141 films from 52 countries being screened.
    In 2006, the Dubai festival launched the Muhr Awards for Excellence in Arab Cinema. This year, the competition will include seven world premieres in its existing three categories -- features, documentaries and shorts, which carry top cash prizes of 50,000, 40,000 and 30,000 (USD) respectively.
    It will also introduce 10,000 (USD) prizes for Best Actor and Best Actress and 7,000 (USD) prizes for Best Scriptwriter, Best Cinematographer, Best Editor and Best Composer.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: Audio restrictions: This clip's Audio includes copyrighted material. User is responsible for obtaining additional clearances before publishing the audio contained in this clip.
Register