At the 2025 Venice Film Festival, Kevin Spacey gave a speech in which he expressed solidarity with Ukrainians affected by the war. The actor separately noted the charitable initiatives of Ukrainian producer and founder of Elledgy Media Group, Elvira Gavrilova-Paterson, during the ceremony of the international organization Better World Fund, which traditionally awards figures in culture, art, and the humanitarian sphere.
“At this point in my life, the trust and opportunity I have been given mean a lot to me. I am grateful to Elvira and the entire team. Her charitable foundation, which helps women and children affected by the war, deserves respect and support,” Spacey emphasized.
He presented the Better World Fund award to this year’s winner, Elvira Gavrilova-Paterson, a well-known producer and patron of the arts.
“Cinema has always been about people. Without people, there are no stories, no emotions, and no opportunity to touch hearts. It is a great honor for me to work with Kevin Spacey,” she said while receiving the award.
For comparison, last year Kevin Costner received the award. This time, the award went to a representative of Ukraine, which highlights the country’s significant role in global culture and humanitarian efforts.
In extra to the charity ceremony, Spacey’s name was actively discussed at other festival events — he presented the trailer for the science fiction film Holiguards Saga — The Portal of Force, in which he played one of the key roles. For the actor, this premiere marked a return to the big screen after a long hiatus.
The film, shot in Mexico in 2023–2024 with a budget of $10 million, tells the story of a battle between two supernatural forces. The plot centers on a young woman who discovers that she is the daughter of warring leaders and has the opportunity to end a long-standing conflict. The film was produced by Elvira Gavrilova-Paterson and produced by Gavrilova-Paterson’s Elledgy Media Group.
In addition to Spacey, the film stars Dolph Lundgren, Tyrese Gibson, Brianna Hildebrand, and Eric Roberts. The producers are already planning the next two films in the saga, some of which are scheduled to be shot in Portugal.
