Event raises funds for HIV, AIDS research, education Auction of car, jewelry, artwork brings in millions DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival was one of the main sponsors at the star-studded amfAR gala, held during the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle Guests included Riyadh-based Argentinian model Georgina Rodriguez, Eva Longoria, Fan Bingbing, Rebel Wilson, Elsa Hosk, Heidi Klum, Coco Rocha and Winne Harlow, who all posed up a storm in front of the Saudi Film Festival’s insignia on the red carpet. The event, which raises money for AIDS research, took place at the famous Hotel Du Cap, Eden Roc. In addition, Bebe Rexha and Adam Lambert performed at the event. “I’m very honored to be singing tonight for this cause and seeing amazing people on the carpet and … beautiful fashion all in the name of raising money for HIV, AIDS, research,” Lambert told AP before the gala. The auction featured an array of artwork, diamond jewels, and experiences. The centerpiece was an Aston Martin sports car, the first of its type in the world, which was auctioned off by Longoria for $1.6 million. The engine cover has the signatures of F1 drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso and the car will be presented at a grand prix of the buyer’s choice. Other top lots included a pair of white gold Chopard earrings set with diamonds and emeralds, sold for $295,000, and a Damien Hirst portrait of Leonardo DiCaprio that went for $1.29 million. DiCaprio, an amfAR regular, slipped in undetected by cameras to enjoy the entertainment, but did not come to the stage to present the winning bidder with his prize. AmfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested nearly $600 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,500 grants to research teams worldwide.