Editor

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.

Backed by government funding and generous sponsor donations, AIFF is being organized by local film producing company Aruba Film Productions. Italian film producer Giuseppe Cioccarelli, a 20 year veteran of the film industry, and Jonathan Vieira, a prominent filmmaker and musician on the island serve as Producers of the Festival.

Distinguished writer, director and producer Claudio Masenza, a revered member of the international film community for over 30 years, serves as AIFF Artistic Director and will be selecting films that reflect the cultural diversity that epitomizes the Island of Aruba. Masenza brings with him six years of experience as a member of the selection committee for the world renowned Venice Film Festival. Moviegoers will be able to see a wide variety of films not only from the U.S. and North America, but South America, Europe, India and other Asian nations as well.

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.

Said Giuseppe Cioccarelli, “It is my hope that through AIFF, Aruba will become known not only as an idyllic vacation destination with its perfect sand beaches but also as a true center for culture and cinematography. The diversity of the Island's population makes it an ideal place to see films from around the world, their characters mirrored in the faces of the Aruban people.”

Commented Claudio Masenza, “Aruba is an island with more screens per capita than any other place I have been in the world. Such a special bond with movies only means that a film festival is long overdue.”

“The friendly character of the island will set the tone for the Festival's inviting ambiance,” said Jonathan Vieira. AIFF is not just any other festival, but one that connects the audience, the movies and the moviemakers.”

The AIFF hub will be located in the Paseo Herencia Entertainment Center in the Palm Beach area of the island.

Tickets will be available in a variety of price ranges, from a simple movie ticket to packages of multi–event attendance, to top accreditation tickets for VIP events.

Details involving the official AIFF line-up and celebrity attendance at the Festival will be announced in the coming weeks. For additional information please visit the Aruba International Film Festival website at www.aiff.aw. A one-of-a-kind experience awaits!