Cinema For Gaza Auction: A Bid to Encounter Stars and Raise Funds

In response to the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, film and television luminaries have united to organize the Cinema For Gaza auction, aimed at providing much-needed assistance to Palestinian civilians. Spearheaded by a coalition of British creatives, including Tilda Swinton and Louis Theroux, the initiative puts ‘exclusive experiences’ up for bid to raise funds for the efforts of Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP). A charity which works for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees, MAP envisions a future in which all Palestinians can access an effective, sustainable and locally-led system of healthcare and the full realisation of their rights to health and dignity.

Launching on April 2nd and extending until April 12th, the auction presents an array of unique encounters and memorabilia which will no doubt go for a high price. Among the standout experiences up for grabs are bedtime stories by Tilda Swinton, tutorials such as perfect porridge recipes by Josh O’Connor from Challengers, and Zoom chats over tea with national treasure Louis Theroux. Elsewhere Sex Education‘s Aimee Lou Wood is offering a conversation about astrology as well as actor, activist and comedian Ramy Youssef tickets to his show complete with a meet-and-greet opportunity. 

Also on offer is Bridgerton memorabilia signed by series cast member Nicola Coughlan, and, for Doctor Who enthusiasts, a clapperboard stamped by Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman. For budding filmmakers, there’s a chance to participate in a Zoom Q&A with the cast and crew of the Bafta-nominated Black Mirror episode ‘Demon 79’, or to obtain a screenplay and director mentoring session from the team behind the sci-fi series The Lazarus Project. Meanwhile, director of The Zone of Interest, the recent Oscar-winning film depicting the horrors of the Holocaust, Jonathan Glazer, shows continued support and has donated a number of signed posters of his projects.

Amidst the staggering toll of the conflict, which has seen over 32,000 fatalities and 74,000 injuries reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry, the founders of Cinema for Gaza stress the urgency of their mission, emphasising the vital nature of MAP’s humanitarian work in the face of Gaza’s decimated healthcare infrastructure due to Israel’s military siege. They see art and politics as inherently intertwined, positioning Cinema for Gaza as a platform fueled by the solidarity of the global film community.

The auction’s participants are invited to bid generously or make direct donations to aid MAP’s critical efforts in Gaza. As the conflict unfolds mercilessly, the need for continued support and awareness cannot be overstated, collective efforts by individuals with a platform signal a glimmer of optimism and solidarity which assures the people of Gaza are not being forgotten.

The auction will be live from 9am on 2nd April until midnight on 12th April. All proceeds go directly to MAP. Find out more information here, join the auction here and donate here.