Second edition of Lights! Camera! Impact! welcomes leading figures of socially impactful cinema at Venice’s The Human Safety Net

• Fireside Chat with award-winning “Quo Vadis Aida?” filmmaker Jasmila Žbanić and director Stephen Gyllenhaal to kick off two-day program

Venice – The second edition of Lights! Camera! Impact!, an evening in celebration of cinema that moves audiences beyond the screen to create real world impact, takes place on September 2^nd and 3^rd held by The Human Safety Net at the Procuratie Vecchie in Saint Mark Square, marking the 81st Venice International Film Festival.

This year's Lights! Camera! Impact! is organized as part of Impact Leaders, the international conference of Impact Europe, which brings together 150 leaders at The Home of The Human Safety Net to promote impact investing in Europe. Together with venture philanthropists and creatives, the power of storytelling as a cultural catalyst for leadership, impact and change is explored. Over two days, the Home of The Human Safety Net will host previews, talks, and workshops showcasing new works, case studies and projects in development. Featured speakers of September 2^nd (from 5.00 p.m.), include award-winning Bosnian filmmaker Jasmila Žbanić (Quo Vadis Aida?) and veteran Hollywood director Stephen Gyllenhaal leading the conversations with professionals that include director Yasemin Samderelli (Samia), award-winning screenwriter Misan Sagay (Belle), and Amy Shepherd of Think Film Impact, who have launched the Impact Award at La Biennale di Venezia. These passionate filmmakers will share how cinema can harness creativity and storytelling to address some of the most pressing social issues of our times.

Gabriele Galateri di Genola, Chairman of The Human Safety Net, said: “The Human Safety Net is proud to promote the second edition of Lights! Camera! Impact!, an event that, starting last year, we have organized with great enthusiasm and passion. We’ll celebrate the work of all those filmmakers and storytellers who have chosen to dedicate their talent and resources to a cinematic narrative that can help generate impact, thereby supporting the work of all those individuals and organizations who are active in the field to build a more just and inclusive world. This point of view is particularly important in our work on the ground as a Foundation because perception influences behaviours and behaviours influence outcomes. Particularly when it comes to sensitive issues such as that of refugee integration, parenting and early child developement.”

Anadil Hossain, programme curator for Lights! Camera! Impact! said: “Being in the heart of Venice during one of the world's most prestigious film festivals is a wonderful way to recognize the power of culture to heal, inspire and drive change. This year The Human Safety Net is partnering with Impact Europe to bring together venture philanthropy leaders and storytellers to find new pathways for collaborating, so it’s a unique opportunity at a critical time in the industry.”

Programming over the two days will include "Cultural Shifts: Storytelling Superpower" dedicated to industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts. The workshop will explore the potential of effective storytelling, investigate possible areas of collaboration, and analyse the challenges and opportunities within the sector. Another highlight will include a session focusing on early childhood development, a central theme in the work of The Human Safety Net. Titled "Planting the Seeds for Generational Impact: The Power of Narratives to Create Cultural and Systemic Change," the forum will explore how organizations working in early childhood, youth development, and education have leveraged the power of media and pop culture through creative initiatives and partnerships. Speakers include two-time Emmy Award-winning producer Scott Cameron (Sesame Street), cultural strategist, narrative change agent, and multimedia producer Ishita Srivastava of FrameWorks Institute, Artistic Director Margie de Koning of Movies That Matter and business strategy and brand development expert Christopher Keefe of Impact Guild.

All Lights! Camera! Impact! sessions are open to the public with free admission. The event on September 2^nd will be in English with simultaneous translation into Italian. Workshop on 3^rd September is by invitation only.

For more information on The Human Safety Net, visit: www.thehumansafetynet.org

For further information or attendance enquiries, please contact:

Media Relations

The Home of The Human Safety Net
Gloria Bondi
+39 338 662 6688
gloria.bondi@generali.com

Generali Group
Sonia Sicco
+39 3358401768
sonia.sicco@generali.com

Press Office The Home of The Human Safety Net
SEC Newgate Italia
Ines Baraldi – ines.baraldi@secnewgate.it – +39 331 5836772
Vania Brogi – vania.brogi@secnewgate.it – +39 338 1367220