A number of major names from the U.K. film and TV world and beyond have donated items —and their own time —to an auction raising money for Gaza.
Organized by Cinema for Gaza in support of Medical Aid for Palestinians, the auction has drawn in gifts from likes of Tilda Swinton, Ken Loach, Asia Kapadia, Ramy Youssef, Peter Capaldi, Imelda Staunton, Brian Cox, Joseph Quinn, Mike Leigh, Misan Harriman, Joanna Hogg, Aimee Lou Wood and Josh O’Connor.
Among the lots up for grabs when the auction goes live on April 2 is the chance to have Swinton “read you a soothing (or not, whatever you prefer) bedtime story over Zoom,” a porridge masterclass with O’Connor who will “teach you how to make the perfect bowl” (and apparently get a glimpse of his secret porridge recipe), a chat about astrology with “Sex Education” star Wood, a “restorative drink” with “Saltburn’s” Oliver, and tickets to see and meet Youssef at a stand-up show and afterparty.
Other items include signed “Downton Abbey” and “Doctor Who” memorabilia, and signed posters from Mike Leigh, Ken Loach and Asif Kapadia, including Leigh’s poster for his original 1977 theatre production of “Abigail’s Party.” Meanwhile, there are opportunities to have a cup of tea —over Zoom —with Joseph Quinn and Paapa Essiedu.
“As we enter the sixth month of Israel’s military siege of Gaza, it has never been more vital to raise funds for the urgent humanitarian work conducted by Medical Aid for Palestinians. Their efforts are not only essential but lifesaving, as Israel’s bombardment has obliterated Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure,” said Cinema For Gaza organizers Hanna Flint, Julia Jackman, Leila Latif, Sophie Monks Kaufman and Helen Simmons.
“We believe that art and politics are inextricably linked and are called to act in word and deed to help those subjected to unspeakable horrors across the occupied Palestinian territory. Cinema For Gaza is a passionate, inclusive fundraising space powered by the generosity of people from all corners of the film industry who will not stand idly by while Palestinians are dehumanised and attacked with impunity.”
Set up in the 1980s and with offices in the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem, Lebanon and London, Medical Aid for Palestinians says it works “for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees.” It is currently responding to the emergency in Gaza.
The current Israel-Hamas war broke out in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks which were perpetrated by Hamas, the governing body of Gaza, in Southern Israel.
