Charles Finch Annual Filmmakers Dinner with Chivas Regal 25 in Cannes

Edward Norton; Naomi Watts; Charles Finch

CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE, May 17, 2014 – Last night, as the film world’s elite gathered in Cannes, official Festival sponsor Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky paid tribute to its longstanding charity partner FilmAid at the Charles Finch Annual Filmmakers Dinner, as renowned actor and philanthropist, Edward Norton encouraged the industry to toast the community-spirited side of the world’s silver screen legends with a glass of Chivas Regal 25.

Held against the stunning backdrop of the Riviera and hosted by Charles Finch, the Annual Filmmakers Dinner was the most glamorous and exclusive place to dine at the start of the Festival’s first weekend and the world’s stars and cultural powerhouses were certainly in attendance, including Naomi Watts, Harvey Weinstein, Gael Garcia Bernal, Gemma Arterton, Bryan Ferry, Julian Schnabel, Lea Seydoux, and Gong Li, Daniel Bruhl, and Matt Smith.

Charles Finch of Finch & Partners and Chivas Regal 25 were proud to honour OSCAR-winning filmmakers, Alfonso Cuáron and Christopher Hampton. Hampton is an acclaimed British screenwriter and film director best known for films such as Dangerous Liaisons and Atonement and Cuáron, is perhaps best known for his recent OSCAR win for ‘Best Director’ for Gravity at this year’s Academy Awards. Both recipients were presented with the Filmmakers Award for their exceptional contributions to the film industry over the years. Previous recipients include: Bernardo Bertolucci, Terry Gilliam, Bertrand Tavernier and Jeremy Thomas.

The evening culminated with guest of honour Edward Norton leading a toast and presenting a cheque of $100,000 to Simon Goff of FilmAid on behalf of Chivas Regal 25.

Edward Norton commented: “It is a great pleasure to be here tonight at the Charles Finch Filmmakers Dinner, sponsored by Chivas Regal 25. Increasingly, we are seeing brands addressing social and environmental issues more than ever before. With the help of partners like Chivas Regal around the world, FilmAid will be able to reach their next milestone.”

Simon Goff, Executive Director of Film Aid commented “At Film Aid we witness the power of film every day – to change lives, shape communities and give voice to refugees. We are very grateful to Chivas Regal for their ongoing support and commitment to our charity.”

Charles Finch, CEO of Finch and Partners commented: “We’re thrilled to be holding the annual Filmmakers dinner at the 67th Cannes Film Festival for the 6th year and we’re delighted that Chivas Regal 25 is supporting us. Since the beginning, we have honoured some incredible filmmakers and this year is no exception with Christopher Hampton and Alfonso Cuáron.”

Richard Black, Global Brand Director, Chivas Regal added: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to honour Christopher Hampton and Alfonso Cuáron for their unrivalled contribution to the film industry at the Charles Finch Filmmakers’ Dinner. We are also pleased to be continuing our journey with such a prestigious charity whereby we can help change peoples’ lives through film. We look forward to another legendary year at the Cannes Film Festival.”