NEW YORK – Variety – The Children’s Charity International will present the Variety International Children’s Fund Humanitarian Award to founder of the Cambodian Children’s Fund, Scott Neeson. This honor will be presented as part of the CineEurope Awards Banquet on Thursday evening, June 23rd at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. Twentieth Century Fox’s Paul Hanneman will once again serve as chairman of the event.
“CineEurope and our partners at The International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) are absolutely enthused that Variety is presenting this award to Scott,” said Co-Managing Director for CineEurope, Andrew Sunshine. “His work and dedication to children is second to none. Scott was a Senior Executive with Fox and gave up a prestigious career to devote his life to helping others.” continued Sunshine.
“Scott Neeson’s humanitarian efforts are truly inspirational. His achievements both in the film industry and in promoting social justice and community development around the world deserve huge recognition. We are honoured that he has agreed to accept the Variety International Children’s Fund Humanitarian Award.” said Phil Clapp, the President of UNIC.
“Just as Variety – the Children’s Charity identifies gaps in services to children and fills them, Scott founded the Cambodian Children’s Fund when he saw a vast gap for Cambodian children living in poverty with little opportunity to break the cycle. Since 2003 Scott has sought to remedy that gap and made an immense difference to countless children’s lives. In 2004 Scott quit his job and moved to Cambodia to commit full time to the project. Variety – the Children’s Charity is proud to honor Scott Neeson with the 2016 Variety International Children’s Fund Humanitarian Award during CineEurope,” stated Barbara Hislop, President of Variety – the Children’s Charity International.
Scott Neeson spent 26 years in the film industry, where he eventually served as President of 20th Century Fox International. While Scott was at Fox, he managed revenues in excess of $1.5 billion, as well as oversaw the release and marketing of hundreds of blockbuster films including Braveheart, Titanic, Star Wars and X-Men.
After an unplanned trip in 2003 to the notorious Steung Meanchey landfill in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Scott decided to leave the film industry. He moved to Phnom Penh and founded Cambodian Children’s Fund. Cambodian Children’s Fund was initially developed to provide a safe haven for 45 children in critical need. CCF now provides award-winning education to more than 2,300 children, as well as supporting thousands of families through a holistic, integrated approach to community development.
Scott Neeson has been recognized over the years with various awards. In 2007, Scott was awarded the inaugural Harvard School of Public Health “Q Prize”. He received this award in recognition of his extraordinary leadership in the advocacy of children. CCF’s Education program received a 2012 WISE Award in recognition of its transformative impact on education and society. Coincidentally, the same year, Scott received the Ahimsa Award. The Ahimsa Award is presented annually at the House of Commons to an individual who embodies non-violence and compassion. In 2014, Scott received the Standing for Something Award in recognition of “the powerful contribution he has made to those in need”. More recently, in 2015, Scott appeared on stage with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, to discuss “Can one be happy and rich?”. 2013 saw the launch of the Child Protection Unit (CPU), the latest addition to CCF.
Last year’s award recipient of the Variety International Children’s Fund Humanitarian Award was Tim Richards from Vue Entertainment. CineEurope 2016 will take place 20-23 June 2016, at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. It will feature screenings of upcoming Hollywood films, sponsored events, timely and informative seminars and the CineEurope Trade Show. CineEurope is produced by Mediabistro Holdings, owner of leading entertainment publications and events including Film Journal International, Adweek, the CLIO Awards, CineAsia and ShowEast.
CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC). #CineEurope | @CineEurope
Variety – the Children’s Charity, with their network of 44 Tents (or Chapters) in 11 countries, reaches into communities across the globe to offer support and services to children with special needs and children’s organizations. Through hard work, thoughtful stewardship, and single-minded focus on the needs of children, Variety strives to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, their families, our communities, and the world…one need at a time.
Further enquiries
dana.moutis@filmexpos.com / 212-493-4424 | @CineEuropeBCN | #CineEurope
