Aruba International Film Festival

The day began with masterclass ‘Words in Motion’ with Robert Alderingk Thijm, followed by ‘In Conversations With’ with veteran actress Maria Conchita Alonso and masterclass ‘The Hollywood Indie’ with Hollywood bigwig producer Randall Emmett (Empire State, 2013). Randall spoke on panel with Hollywood Reporter's Stephen Galloway. They discussed Randall's journey of film production from his days as a maverick indie film producer to becoming one of Hollywood's most prolific producers (Rambo, 2008; Bad Lieutenant Port of Call, 2009; Broken City, 2013; Empire State, 2013). In his youth, Randall used to go from producing shoestring budget indies and assisting at talent agencies until his final big break. Today, Randall’s producing resume includes over 75 films. When asked by Galloway what his secret to producing was, Emmett replied: “I think you have to be uncomfortable to do your best work. Being uncomfortable forces you to do your best.” When asked what his most inspirational films were growing up, Emmett named Scarface and Raging Bull.

An eclectic list of films screened at night from short films to documentaries and features. Director Cullen Hoback screened his much debated film Terms and Conditions May Apply. Hoback attended a contentious Q & A after the screening, stating this about the response to his film: "We had a strong turnout and an enthusiastic audience. The issues surrounding digital privacy are a global issue, and it was great to see so many people in Aruba concerned and motivated by the film." Hoback is receiving international critical acclaim for his film, being compared to nonconformist documentarian filmmakers Michael Moore and Morgan Spurlock.

A double feature of bloody psychological thriller films (Raze and Mine Games) confirmed there was no shortage of the color red on this 4th of July. Raze recently held its world premier at TriBeCa in April. The film was attended by director Josh C. Walls, actress/producer Zoe Bell and actress Tracie Thoms.

Following Raze, the film crew of Mine Games, by director Richard Gray, was attended by emerging stars Briana Evigan (Step Up) and Joseph Cross (Lincoln). Richard Gray said this after screening to an Aruban audience: “What an amazing experience, the locals and filmmakers were all so generous and supportive. To have Briana Evigan and Joe Cross a part of this and seeing Mine Games on the big screen for the first time was a once in a lifetime experience. We love Aruba International Film Festival."

Other films screened: The Caribbean Spotlight Series section- Abo So (Only You) by Juan Francisco Pardo and Ring the Alarm by directors Storm Saulter, Michelle Serieux, Nile Saulter. Shorts Films- Back of Beyond by Leonardo Aguirre; Captain T & T by Christopher Guinness; El Jardineiro by Jo Henriquez; Kung Fu Grandma by Jeong-One Park; Las Lagrimas by Pablo Delgado; Matilde by Vito Palmieri; Passage by Karim Mortimer; Soup A Pye by Karine Gama. Documentaries- Finding Hillywood by Leah Warshawski and Chris Towey; Little World by Marcel Barrena. International feature- The Rocket by Kim Mordaunt

The AIFF 4th of July after party took place at the Sand Bar from 23:00- 1:00am.

-OFFICIAL AIFF PRESS RELEASE-