THE APEX TIMES
Taika Waititi to Host amfAR Venezia Gala on Sept. 6 as He Takes on Additional Venice Commitments
The filmmaker and actor will host the amfAR Venezia Gala in Venice on Sept. 6, while also appearing in Kornél Mundroczó’s official festival selection “Place to Be,” acting opposite Ellen Burstyn and Murray Bartlett, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Taika Waititi will serve as host of the amfAR Venezia Gala in Venice on Sept. 6, The Hollywood Reporter reported on Aug. 10.
The event, organized under amfAR’s international fundraising effort in conjunction with the Venice film community, is scheduled for the same week as Waititi’s other commitments in the city.
In addition to his gala hosting role, Waititi is linked to an acting project that will also be in Venice: Kornél Mundroczó’s “Place to Be,” which is described as an official selection of the Venice festival. Waititi’s cast includes Ellen Burstyn and Murray Bartlett, with Waititi set to appear opposite both performers, according to the report.
The Hollywood Reporter also cited music-related participation for the amfAR Venezia Gala, naming Bebe Rexha and Marina in connection with the Sept. 6 lineup.
The scheduling underscores how major entertainment figures often combine film-festival appearances with high-profile fundraising events during Venice’s annual industry week.
While the gala details are tied to amfAR’s fundraising operations, the report frames the Sept. 6 hosting announcement primarily as part of Waititi’s broader slate of Venice engagements that includes both philanthropic visibility and an on-screen presence alongside Burstyn and Bartlett.
No additional details were included in the report about Waititi’s character or the story content of “Place to Be,” beyond the casting relationships and the film’s official selection status. Organizers and festival representatives have not been cited in the packet regarding further specifics about gala program order, performance timing, or release plans for the film.
Why It Matters
- Waititi’s dual role links a major festival week screen credit with a prominent fundraising event, concentrating attention on both entertainment programming and philanthropy during the same date window.
- Ellen Burstyn and Murray Bartlett’s involvement with “Place to Be” adds to the casting visibility of the festival project while Venice audiences are already in-market for high-profile titles.
- The named musical participants for the amfAR gala suggest the event will blend film-festival access with live entertainment components, increasing cross-industry engagement.
- Because details on “Place to Be” beyond the cast and selection status are not provided in the available packet, viewers and attendees may need official festival or gala communications for schedule and presentation specifics.
Key Facts
- Taika Waititi will host the amfAR Venezia Gala on Sept. 6 in Venice, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
- Kornél Mundroczó’s “Place to Be” is described as an official selection, and Waititi is set to act opposite Ellen Burstyn and Murray Bartlett, per the report.
- The report associates Bebe Rexha and Marina with the Sept. 6 gala lineup.
- The announcement was published by The Hollywood Reporter on Aug. 10, 2026.