Cinema Against AIDS Dubai unites for another year under amFAR banner

On December 12, the glittering dinner and auction to be held at the Atlantis Resort, The Palm will raise funds for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, the world's leading organization dedicated to HIV/AIDS research, prevention, education, and public policy advocacy. Cinema Against AIDS is one of the Foundation's premier events, held at film festivals around the world.

The 2007 Cinema Against AIDS Dubai event brought numerous A-list celebrities to Dubai, including amfAR Fundraising Chair Sharon Stone and internationally celebrated personalities such as Michelle Yeoh, Kenneth Cole, Hayden Christensen, Rachel Bilson, Gloria Estefan, Dana Fuchs, Dita Von Teese, Pooja Batra, Kabir Bedi, Akbar Khan, Sarah Shahi, and amfAR CEO Kevin Frost.

Shivani Pandya, DIFF's Managing Director, spoke of her anticipation of the second Cinema Against AIDS Dubai:

"Last year's inaugural Cinema Against AIDS event was a spectacular demonstration of how philanthropists in the Emirates are dedicated to giving. As a partner with DIFF, amfAR demonstrates how cinema as an industry can change the world for good and benefit those who are less fortunate. Since AIDS is the biggest blight facing the world today, DIFF is proud to contribute to making AIDS history."

amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost stated: "It is a pleasure to be back in Dubai for a second year for this great event. With Cinema Against AIDS taking place here and around the world, it's rewarding to know that the entertainment industry is drawing attention and raising funds for this critical issue. We are grateful to DIFF for its forward thinking stand against HIV/AIDS."

Many of last year's unique auction items were donated by Sharon Stone herself. Her mint-condition 1961 Lincoln Continental, with its trademark front-opening rear doors, and her couture donations brought thousands of dollars into amfAR's coffers.

The fifth edition of the Dubai International Film Festival runs December 11-18, 2008.