Mila Jovovich honors Ukraine in a blue dress at the amfAR gala: "I want to represent my people

The Ukrainian-born actress and model wore a blue dress from Ukrainian brand Lever Couture for Friday's fundraiser... Mila Jovovich made more than a fashion statement by seeing this year's amfAR gala in Cannes.

On Friday, the 46-year-old Ukrainian-born actress and model wore a loose, sky-blue tulle dress with a turquoise necklace and nude heels. She was joined by her 14-year-old daughter, Ever Gabo Anderson, who wore a bright yellow mini dress with silver Mary Janes.

Channeling the colors of the Ukrainian flag together, mother and daughter Jovovich expressed their intentions to PEOPLE.

"It was essential for me to come here… Because I have family in Ukraine, who survived the war. And I felt like representing my people," she explained. For this, she chose a dress from the Ukrainian brand Lever Couture: "I happened to see this designer and saw her art, which she calls a dress," continued the Fifth Element actress. "And suddenly a friend of mine said, 'Yeah, she's Ukrainian.' And I met him, and we became friends. And I said, "You know what? It's the perfect place to show how amazing, intellectual, educated, and Ukrainian culture is."

Jovovich said he has family on "both sides" of the war that has been going on since February 24 - Europe's first major land conflict in decades.

"This is a difficult time for everyone globally, and the war in Ukraine, COVID, mass shootings, it's terrible," he said. "But today, we are here for a good cause. And today is a day of hope because amfAR benefits people and helps people not only survive HIV/AIDS but thrive. At last, there was a light shining in this dark and dark weather.

The Resident Evil actress added that while amFAR is currently involved with multiple causes, amFAR's work deserves special credit. "It's hard to wake up and feel good," she says. "But thankfully, this can make us happy because at least amfAR is doing something to bring hope to many people I know personally. So yeah, at least today I can smile."