With just a day left until its closure, the Cinema for Gaza auction has seen a surge in celebrity donations from the entertainment industry, pushing its fundraising total past $200,000. Notable additions to the auction include a signed 'Joker' poster by Joaquin Phoenix, who has also lent his support to Jonathan Glazer's Oscars speech. Phoenix also contributed a signed poster for 'You Were Never Really Here,' alongside director Lynne Ramsay. The auction has further received six personalized signed books from Guillermo del Toro, a signed script from 'The Crown' by Emma Corrin, a custom painting by 'American History X' director Tony Kaye, and a chat and custom tattoo design by 'Saturday Night Live' writer Julio Torres.
The Cinema for Gaza auction was initiated by a group of U.K.-based filmmakers and film journalists and has been steadily gaining momentum since its launch on March 28. The auction boasts over 200 lots, featuring donations from industry heavyweights such as Spike Lee, Paul Mescal, Olivia Colman, Tessa Thompson, Josh O'Conner, and Tilda Swinton, among others.
In a statement, the organizers expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, 'Cinema for Gaza's inaugural fundraiser is nearing its conclusion, having raised over $200,000 and counting. The auction has now closed for new lots, with contributions from a wide array of industry luminaries, including Joaquin Phoenix, Lynne Ramsay, and Emma Corrin. The team of volunteers is deeply moved by the generosity displayed by both donors and bidders.'
The auction is set to conclude on April 12, with all proceeds directed to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). MAP is actively involved in responding to the crisis in Gaza, where the local health authority reports a significant toll of over 32,000 Palestinians killed during Israel's recent retaliatory actions following an attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,100 Israelis.
