The inaugural Aruba International Film Festival (AIFF) will take place from June 4-10 as the Caribbean island nation becomes the latest inductee to the international film festival circuit.

AIFF founders and festival producers Giuseppe Cioccarelli and Jonathan Vieira made the announcement at a press conference [January 20] at the Radisson Hotel & Resort in Aruba’s Palm Beach along with festival artistic director Claudio Masenza.

Backed by government funding and sponsor dollars, AIFF is being organised by local film producing company Aruba Film Productions. Italian film producer Cioccarelli, a 20-year veteran of the film industry, and Vieira, a prominent local film-maker and musician, will serve as producers of the festival.

Writer, director and producer Masenza serves as a member of the Venice Film Festival selection committee and promises an eclectic array of 20-30 films from the Americas, Europe, India and Asia.

The AIFF’s mission is to encourage, educate and activate young Aruban film-makers. Throughout event, film professionals will be conducting workshops and master classes, and student film-makers will be invited to screen their work for critique.

“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 centre for culture and cinematography,” Cioccarelli said.

“Aruba is an island with more screens per capita than any other place I have been in the world,” Masenza said. “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,” Vieira added. “AIFF is not just any other festival, but one that connects the audience, the movies and the movie-makers.”

Otmar Oduber, Aruba’s Minister Of Tourism, Labour And Transportation said the festival would play a part in “furthering international recognition for Aruba and [will] raise our stature to a level we desire.”

The line-up will be announced in due course. For additional information visit www.aiff.aw.