Richard Gere will open the inaugural Aruba International Film Festival (AIFF) as its official host when the Caribbean festival gets underway on June 4.

AIFF artistic director Claudio Masenza and festival founders and producers Giuseppe Cioccarelli and Jonathan Vieira, in Los Angeles to host a private event announcing the festival, added that Gere will receive a special humanitarian award and participate in the “In Conversations With” series

“Richard Gere is a man whose amazing career is matched only by his remarkable and ongoing humanitarian pursuits,” Masenza said. “On screen, and off, Richard has an iconic presence and is revered around the world. We are both honored and excited to have him attend the first Aruba International Film Festival and take such an active role in the event.”

The festival runs from June 4-11 and will feature premieres, a programming roster of studio and independent fare, workshops, master classes, and on-stage discussions. The mission is “to encourage, educate and activate young Aruban film-makers.”

Further details such as the official line-up and celebrity attendance will be announced in the coming weeks.

Topics