Aruba International Film Festival

-OFFICIAL AIFF PRESS RELEASE-

DAY 2 @ THE ARUBA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (2-6 July, 2013) - July 3, 2013!

Opening night proved a success for the 4th edition of the Aruba International Film Festival. Opening film Steekspel (Tricked) screened to a SOLD OUT audience. The film is the first user-generated production—part documentary, part narrative—from internationally renowned Dutch film director Paul Verhoeven (Robocop, Basic Instinct, Total Recall). Director Paul Verhoeven walked the red carpet with producer Rene Mioch and attended a Q&A session after the film.

Following the screening of Tricked was the world premier of Abo So (Only You, 2013), featuring the songs of Aruban musical legend Padú del Caribe. The theater was packed to maximum capacity by Aruban locals to see this highly anticipated film. Abo So (Only You) is part of the festival’s Caribbean Spotlight Series directed by Juan Francisco Pardo and is Aruba’s first-ever feature-length musical. Filmed in Aruba Papiamento with English subtitles, it tells the love story of Tatiana (Raphaela Mahadeo) featuring the artist’s songs.

When asked about this year’s festival, in light of all its setbacks and challenges, Director of Programming Aaron Hose said: “This year's AIFF is a testament to the will and passion of the entire organizing team, who worked incredibly hard, day in and day out, to ensure we would have a fourth edition. As a Aruban filmmaker myself, I am proud to say that if it were not for this festival, I may not have had the opportunities that I have had internationally with my own films. I am incredibly grateful to our supporters for allowing me to return to Aruba as the festival's programming director. We're bringing so many wonderful films and film talent for our audiences to enjoy, and we hope everyone has a blast.”

Day 2 of the 4th AIFF consisted of a day full of screenings and events. French director and producer Emmanuel Itier held a masterclass called The Frugal Frenchman where he discussed to emerging Aruban filmmakers how he made a film in 12 days. A masterclass on directing then & now with Paul Verhoeven took place at Caribbean Theater in the Plaza Mall.

The film screenings in the evening included: La Montana followed by Q&A with directors by Tabaré Blanchard & Iván Herrera, Born to hate, La Globovia & Anina, Matilde & Little World, the world premier for A Perfect Man by Dutch filmmaker Kees Van Oostrum, The ten-year in the making documentary about street kids in South Africa Angels in Exile (narrated by Oscar-winner Charlize Theron) followed by a Q&A with director Billy Raftery, The shadows Are Shining & El Laberinto followed by Q&A by the directors Ken Wolff and Wanadi Siso, El Jardinero & Finding Hillywood followed by Q&A with directors Leah Warshawski and Chris Towey, Brecha en el Silencio (Breach of Silence) from Venezuela plus Q&A with directors Luis & Andrés Rodriguez and cast of the film, Passage & Las Lagrimas with Q&A by director Kareem Mortimer , Edificio Royal (Royal Building) from Colombia, Femme: Women Healing the World by director Emmanuel Itier.

The post screening event that took place was Latin Night at Queen with celebrities to attend from Venezuela- Maria Conchita Alonso, Hilda Abrahamz, Maria Alejandra Martín, Albi de Abreu will walk the red carpet and attend the regional premieres of Latin American films such as Brecha en el Silencio (Breach of Silence), El Laberinto de lo Posible (The Laryrinth of Possibility), Edificio Royal (Royal Building), and Las Lágrimas (The Tears). Festival guest celebrities Zoe Bell, Virginia Madsen, Tracie Thoms, Briana Evigan attended the event.

Tickets for AIFF 2013 will be available in a variety of price ranges, from a simple movie and industry event ticket, to special passes for multi–event attendance.

About the Aruba International Film Festival For more information please visit the Aruba International Film Festival website at http://http://www.arubainternationalfilmfestival.com

-OFFICIAL AIFF PRESS RELEASE-