Stars of stage and screen unite for Palestine
- Text by Ben Smoke
- Illustrations by Courtesy of Cinema for Gaza
Latest figures show almost 35,000 Palestinians have been killed, with over 75,000 wounded in Israeli attacks since October 7th. Conditions on the ground in Gaza continue to rapidly deteriorate as huge swathes of the strip have been laid waste by Israeli bombs. Schools, bakeries and vital infrastructure have all been targeted as only minimal shipments of aid have been allowed through. Just last week seven aid workers including three Britons were killed when an Israeli drone targeted a World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy. WCK, one of the few NGOs operating in Gaza, announced it would cease operations as they were now deemed too dangerous.
Famine and disease are the latest horrors to rain down upon Palestinians who are entering their sixth month of hell. The Al-shifa hospital has been all but destroyed as the medical system has all but collapsed. One organisation working to provide medical care in the increasingly dire situation is Medical Aid for Palestinians. Now a group of UK film professionals have come together to raise money for the charity, and their vital work in bringing aid to those in desperate need.
Leila Latif and Sophie Monks Kaufman, both from Huck’s sister magazine Little White Lies, along with author and critic Hanna Ines Flint, filmmaker Julia Jackman and producer Helen Simmons have raided their contact books and convinced some of the biggest names in the industry to dig deep into their pockets, offering up once-in-a-lifetime lots to bid on.
Ex-leader of the Labour Party, and star of ‘Sumotherhood’ Jeremy Corbyn MP is among those donating. The Islington North MP is offering up a signed copy of his ‘Poetry for the Many’ book, a zoom poetry reading session and a selection of his homemade jams. ‘Challengers’ star Josh O’Connor’s offering in the shape of his secret to the perfect porridge provides the perfect opportunity to use any of the aforementioned jam.
Today, Monday 8th April, organisers have announced a whole new raft of donations including, a personalised video message from Olivia Colman; a signed ‘Aftersun’ poster from Paul Mescal; A beer on zoom,signed ‘Sorry to bother you’ costume, and memorabilia from ‘The Marvels’ from Tessa Thompson; and a Malcolm X poster signed by Spike Lee.
Running until midnight on Friday 12th April 2024, the auction, which to date has raised over £90,000 sees filmmakers, actors, critics, screenwriters, composers and producers band together in support of Palestine.
All proceeds from the auction, which also gives you the option just to donate, go to MAP.
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