'Cliffhanger' earns AmFAR $800,000+
Money came from a post-screening dinner party, hosted by AmFAR founding chairman Elizabeth Taylor and Cinema Against AIDS, and from a silent auction of celebrity photographs.
Taking prominent spots around the $ 25,000 tables at Moulin de Mougins were Taylor, "Cliffhanger" star Sylvester Stallone and director Renny Harlin, Carolco chairman Mario Kassar and TriStar chairman Mike Medavoy.
Also among the 352 guests on hand was a sizable Warner Bros. contingent for Saturday's Euro preem of "Falling Down," including Michael Douglas and helmer Joel Schumacher.
"I come before you today not as an actress but on behalf of all those living with AIDS," Taylor said. "I am the advocate of the dying child in an impoverished nation. I am the voice of the needle user in the inner city. I am the delegate of the prostitute in the urban street. I simply ask your help for all those who cannot speak."
AmFAR exex said the soiree -- considered the hottest party of the film festival -- raised $ 800,000 to $ 1 million.
The event included an excerpt of the film "And the Band Played On," based on the Randy Shilts book. AIDS is a central topic of the film, which stars Phil Collins, who also was on hand.
"AIDS, like the language of cinema, knows no boundaries," said Taylor. "We who are so privileged have a moral duty to support all those who need our help and protect all those who can be saved."
