By Myrlia Purcell on
In Venice for its film festival, Natalie Portman has become the first recipient of the Movie for Humanity Award in recognition of her dedication to humanitarian causes.
This accolade from the Kineo Italian Movie Awards aims to recognize film artists who devote themselves to philanthropy, as Portman unquestionably has. Aside from launching the Village Banking Campaign with FINCA, speaking up for the endangered Rwandan Mountain Gorilla, and highlighting the plight of needy children around the world, she is an enthusiastic supporter of Tacare Girl’s Scholarship Programme of the Jane Goodall Institute in Tanzania.
The scholarship program, which carries out wildlife research in Tanzania, was established to create opportunities for women’s education and provide access to secondary and higher education, ultimately leading to job opportunities.
Portman’s $50,000 award prize money will go to the scholarship program.
“The Jane Goodall foundation does incredible work in Tanzania, an area which is very environmentally affected. I really appreciate this award,” Portman said.
The 27-year-old actress is making her directorial debut at the Venice Film Festival with a short film called Eve.
Copyright © 2008 Look to the Stars
