Aruba Launches First International Film Festival
It was announced today that the island nation of Aruba will host a new international film festival (the nation’s first), The Aruba International Film Festival (AIFF), which will take place June 4-10, 2010. Details were unveiled at a press conference today by AIFF Founders and Producers Giuseppe Cioccarelli and Jonathan Vieira, along with the Festival’s Artistic Director Claudio Masenza, at the Radisson Hotel & Resort in Aruba’s Palm Beach.
Commented Minister of Tourism, Labor and Transportation Mr. Otmar Oduber, “The Aruba International Film Festival will contribute to furthering international recognition for Aruba and raise our stature to a level we desire. AIFF will be a momentous event, targeting new visitors from many regions of the world, enriching our tourism industry, and helping to develop and support our own talent. The “Aruba” experience will exceed the expectations of visitors, with our high quality resorts, exquisite cuisine and genuinely hospitable people.’
The breathtaking Caribbean island of Aruba will provide the backdrop for the film industry’s newest “must-attend’ event, with an inviting atmosphere, suited like none other, to attract actors, directors, filmmakers, and film lovers for a one-of-a-kind festival experience.
For seven days in the beginning of every June, Aruba aims to become a premiere destination for the global film industry, and a platform to promote the understanding and appreciation for the art of cinema and filmmaking.
Over time, the Film Festival will further world awareness for the Island of Aruba as a center of art, culture and creativity. With participants enjoying a relaxed Aruban ambiance, AIFF will promote a more casual interaction between filmmakers and audience, making the film festival incredibly friendly and accessible to all participants.
The annual AIFF will bring participants from around the world to view a wide selection of films, join in discussions, take part in workshops and panels, and attend special parties and events. Actors, directors, producers, writers, industry executives and media will converge on the island to experience firsthand what has made Aruba the destination of choice for the many loyal visitors who return to the island year after year.
The inaugural Festival will showcase between 20 and 30 films throughout the week, of which the majority will be independent films of special interest. This year, and in years to follow, there are expected to be a number of world premiers and “blockbuster’ studio films showcased in the festival to complement the independent, art-house selections.
An important aspect of the Aruba International Film Festival is its mission to encourage, educate and activate young Aruban filmmakers. Throughout the Festival, notable film professionals will be conducting workshops and master classes on all facets of filmmaking and the creative process. Student filmmakers will be invited to screen their works for critiques and suggestions by visiting professionals.
