THE 3RD ANNUAL ARUBA INTL FILM FESTIVAL MAGAZINE

Bon Bini!

Dear friends,

It is my pleasure to welcome you again to the third annual Aruba International Film Festival. This festival creates a platform that attracts film fans and artists to Aruba to enjoy the combination of Art, Culture and Creativity and the beauty and relaxation of the island. The event promises to unite the community with international film premieres, and creating the platform for network opportunities for young industry professionals by adding the Caribbean Spotlight Series to the mix. In addition AIFF has shown its great contribution in encouraging the next generation to be part of the experience by introducing the 96 hours film lab and high school screening to the their program. This year the festival continues to venture in new directions in creating an atmosphere of entertainment with the concert series, but without losing the essence of the film which remains the center focus of this festival! This event offers locals and visitors the opportunity to participate and interact with each other while enjoying what Aruba has to offer. We are excited to celebrate the work of the selected film professionals in a relaxed, glamorous and tropical island atmosphere. And, we are thrilled to invite you to join us during this week to experience this event first-hand and our “One Happy Island”.

Enjoy!

Minister of Tourism, Transportation and LabourOtmar E. Oduber

Dear Friends of Aruba,

On behalf of the Aruba Tourism Authority, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of the incredibly talented actors, directors, producers and guests to our One happy island. From the moment you set foot on island, you will immediately sense that there is something different about Aruba…..our people, culture, heritage, beaches…….everything.

Thanks to this now accredited and internationally known film

festival, we have the opportunity to celebrate the next generation of great filmmakers and pay homage to the legends of cinema, right here on Aruba.

We are excited to see that once again the festival has brought such an influential group of dedicated and talented artists from the local and international movie arena to Aruba, a true testament of the organization’s hard work and dedication. With the addition of the concert series I am confident that it will bring the festival to a different and exciting level.

Aruba is now known internationally as a premier destination where new talent and culture is discovered and celebrated and we look forward to welcoming more “movie buff” visitors for years to come.

We hope that while visiting, you will experience what truly makes Aruba the One happy island; from the warmth of our constant sunshine, to the tranquility of our picturesque beaches and the authentic spirit of our friendly locals.

Ronella Tjin Asjoe – Croes

CEOAruba Tourism Authority

InTERnATIOnALFILMFEsTIvAL

WELCOMETO ARUBA

4 ARUBAINTERNATIONALFILMFESTIVAL

The breathtaking Caribbean island of Aruba provides the backdrop for the film industry’s newest “must-attend” event, taking place June 22-28, 2012, with an inviting atmosphere, suited like none other, to attract actors, directors, filmmakers, and film lovers.

Founded in 2010 by film producers Jonathan Vieira and Giuseppe Cioccarelli, AIFF stands to further global awareness for the Island of Aruba as a center of art, culture and creativity and serve as a platform to promote the understanding and appreciation for the art of cinema and filmmaking. Participants enjoy a relaxed Aruban ambiance and a casual interaction between filmmakers and audience.

The third annual AIFF will bring people from around the world to view a wide selection of films, join in discussions and attend special events.

Centered once again at the Paseo Herencia Entertainment Center, the third edition of the Aruba International Film Festival is rededicating itself to its two-fold purpose, advancing worldwide understanding of Aruba and her people and encouraging emerging Caribbean filmmakers by offering the finest in hands-on training by top professionals.

Over the last two years, AIFF has showcased nearly fifty films from twenty different countries, and attracted an array of notable film industry names:

· Legendary leading man Richard Gere· Oscar® and Golden Globe® nominee writer and director Guillermo Arriaga (“Babel” “21 Grams”, “The Burning Plain”)· Multiple Academy Award® winning editor Thelma Schoonmaker (“The Departed” “Goodfellas” “The Aviator”)· Academy Award® nominated actress Patricia Clarkson (“Pieces of April” “Shutter Island” “Lars and the Real Girl”)· Oscar® nominated actor, director and producer Griffin Dunne (“Game 6” “My Girl” “Johnny Dangerously”)· Popular Venezuelan actress Rudy Rodriguez· Famous Indian choreographer Longinus Fernandes (“Slumdog Millionaire”). · Golden Globe® Award winner Kim Cattrall (Sex and the City, Meet Monica Velour)· Renowned filmmaker Jonathan Demme (Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia)· Golden Globe® Award winner, costume designer Michael Kaplan (Burlesque, Blade Runner, Fight Club)· World recording artist, producer and actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson· Artist, filmmaker, poet and stage director Lech Majewski (The Mill and the Cross)· Multi International Award winning and NYU professor Milcho Manchevski (Mothers, Before the Rain) Distinguished writer, director and producer Claudio Masenza, a revered member of the international film community for over 30 years (bringing with him years of experience as a member of the selection committees for the world renowned Venice Film Festival and Rome Film Festival) is reprising his role as AIFF Artistic Director. He will again be selecting films that reflect the cultural diversity that epitomizes the island of Aruba.


3rd AnnUAL ARUBA InTERnATIOnAL FILM FEsTIvA


JOnAThAn vIEIRAAIFF EXECUTIVE PRODUCERJonathan is a well-known producer in Aruba. Jonathan gained his experience working for some of the leading entertainment companies in the world and has produced live shows in Europe, North America and the Caribbean. As a composer, Jonathan's work has been featured on MTV, Discovery Channel and Bravo networks. In Aruba he serves as a judge on the Aruban version of

American Idol called Sparkling Tours.

CLAUDIO MAsEnzA

AIFF DIRECTORAn Italian screenwriter and journalist, Claudio has been a respected member of the world of cinema in both Europe and United States for over 30 years. He has served on the selection committee for the prestigious Venice Film Festival for the past six years. He is also a consultant regarding American movies for the Rome International Film Festival. Masenza has written and directed a series of feature-length biographies of directors and film stars including Montgomery Clift, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe and Alfred Hitchcock. These have been shown extensively in film festivals around the world including New York, Los Angeles, London, Sydney and Tokyo.


AIFFEXECUTIvE PRODUCER & FEsTIvAL DIRECTOR

JUNE2012AnnUALEDITION3rd


PIETRO SCALIAEDITOR

RICHARD KINDACTOR

VAL LAURENACTOR

XAVIER SAMUELACTOR

I

RAY LIOTTAACTOR

VIRGINIA MADSENACTREss


AIFF


JASON PATRICACTOR

WELCOMEs

DIEGO RÍSQUEZACTOR

LUIGI SCIAMANNAACTOR

PIM DE LA PARRADIRECTOR

I

LAVELLE SMITH, Jr.ChOREOGRAPhER

ALEXANDER GIRALDODIRECTOR


97min, English starring: Xavier samuel, Kris Marshall, Olivia newton John, Kevin Bishop.

An outrageous comedy about a groom and his so called ‘three best mates’. When David travels to Australia to marry the love of his life, his three best men give a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘for better or worse’.The chaos-filled wedding is a classic culture clash between his friends and her family, because blood is thicker than water and so are David’s mates.

screening Time: Sunday, June 24-8:15 pm / Monday, June 25-6:15pm

A FEW BEsT MEnCOMEDy (nR)DIRECTED By sTEPhAn ELLIOTT2011, Australia/UK

80 min, Dutch with English subtitlesstarring: Anton Corbijn, Bono, Martin Gore

INSIDE OUT explores Corbijn’s persona, uncovering his motivation and inherent conflict as an artist, between audience’s admiration and personal loneliness and the unique iconography he created. With critical and insightful interviews of artists like Bono, George Clooney, but most of all Corbijn himself, we follow him to his current and childhood homes and his places of work, studio and film set to reveal the portrait of one of the most significant artists of post-modern pop culture.

screening Time: Sunday, June 24-8:45 pm / Tuesay, June 26-10:10pm

AnTOn CORBIJn InsIDE OUTDOCUMEnTARy (G)DIRECTED By KLAARTJE QUIRIJns2012, Netherlands

Main ProgramJUNE2012

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75 min French with English subtitlesstarring: Gerard Lanvin, Tcheky Karyo, Daniel Duval, Dimitri storoge, Olivier ChantreauAfter growing up in a poor gypsy camp, Edmond Vidal, aka Momon, has retained a sense of family, unfailing loyalty and pride in his origins. Most of all, he has remained friends with Serge Suttel, with whom he first discovered prison life – for stealing cherries. The two of them inevitably got involved in organized crime. The team they formed, the Ganf Des Lyonnais, made them the most notorious armed robbers of the early 1970s. Their irresistible rise ended in 1974 with a spectacular arrest. Today, as he nears 60, Momon would like to forget that part of his life. He has found peace by retiring from the ‘business’. He tends to his wife Janou, who suffered so in the past, and to his children and grandchildren, all of whom have great respect for this man of simple and universal values, so clear-headed and full of kindness. But then Serge Suttel, who has disowned nothing of his past, comes back into the picture.screening Time: Tuesday, June 26-6:15 pm / Wednesday, June 27-11:00pm

A GAnG sTORyDRAMA (nR)DIRECTED By OLIvER MARChAL2011, France/Belgium

90minutes Spanish with English Subtitlesstarring: Angelica Blandon , Manuel sarmiento, Alejandro Aguilar

Zico is the head of the most respected band of thieves in the city, their thefts are perfect; no injuries, no bullets, they leave no trace. With the latest work, he and his sister Angelica expected to leave the country and start a new life. This, Zico plans, is a perfect theft – it will happen in three minutes flat. But Zico does not know all the details: a love unknown comes to the surface, a special police unit is located nearby and a football game has the full attention of the city. 180 Seconds depicts ordinary human beings who laugh and make you laugh, who love and want to love, who steal and do not want to die.

screening Time: Monday, June 25-8:15 pm / Wednesday, June 27-6:15pm

180 sEGUnDOsACTIOn (nR)DIRECTED By ALEXAnDER GIRALDO2012, Colombia


93 min, Englishstarring: Mila Jovovich, Bill Pullman, Marcia Cross

Bringing Up Bobby is the story of a European con-artist and her son Bobby, who find themselves in Oklahoma in an effort to escape her past and build a better future. Olive and Bobby blithely charm their way from one adventure to another until Olive’s criminal past catches up with her. Consequently, she must make a choice: continue with a life of crime or leave the person she loves most in an effort to give Bobby a proper chance in life.

screening Time: Friday, June 21-5:30 pm / Saturday, June 23-11:00pm

BRInGInG UP BOBByDRAMA (PG13)DIRECTED By FAMKE JAnssEn2011, USA

95 minutes Italian with English subtitles

starring: Fabrizio Bentivoglio, Barbora Bobulova

Bruno Beltrame has lost his passion for writing just enough to ghost-write books for other people. He also is not completely engaged as a teacher, as he goes through his apathetic routine of tutoring equally apathetic students, including fifteen-year old Luca. One day the boy’s mother shows up and reveals that Luca is his son - a son he knew nothing about. And, the woman is about to leave to volunteer in Africa for a six-months. She asks Bruno to take care of the boy while she is away, but she does not want him to reveal his relationship to the boy. This is the beginning of the unlikely coexistence between an apathetic teacher and a restless adolescent.

screening Time: Friday, June 22-10:15 pm / Monday, June 25-10:15pm

EAsy!COMEDy (G) DIRECTED By FRAnCEsCO BRUnI2011, Italy

124 minutes, English,Swedish and various others with English subtitlesstarring: Joel Kinnaman, Lisa henni, Matia Padin Jareca, Dragomir Mrsic

A three-tiered story centered around drugs and organized crime and focused on a young man who becomes a runner for a coke dealer.

screening Time: Tuesday, June 26-11:00 pm / Thursday, June 28-5:30pm

EAsy MOnEyCRIME DRAMA (G)DIRECTED By DAnIEL EsPInOsA2011, Sweden

96 minutes Englishstarring: Julia Garner, Rory Culkin, Liam Aiken

Rachel is a rambunctious teenager from a fundamentalist Mormon family in Utah. On Rachel’s 15th birthday, she discovers a forbidden cassette tape with rock music on it. Having never heard anything like it, Rachel has a miraculous experience. Three months later, Rachel turns up pregnant and claims to have had an immaculate conception from listening to the music. Rachel’s parents arrange a marriage for Rachel, but Rachel runs away to the closest city Las Vegas, to search for the man who sings on the cassette tape, thinking he has something to do with her mysterious pregnancy

screening Time: Sunday, June 24-11:00 pm / Monday, June 25-6:00pm

ELECTRICK ChILDREnDRAMA (nR) DIRECTED By REBECCA ThOMAs2012, USA



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96 minutes Italian/English with English subtitlesstarring: Brigitte Bardot, Marlon Brando, Federico Fellini, sophia Loren

Italy, Europe and the world of the years of Hollywood on Tiber told, for the first time, through rare materials and footage from the NBCUniversal Archives: an original view of thirty years of history of great international cinema (1950s to 1970s) through TV features and reports by the important American network. It is the story of what can be considered a sort of mutual invasion. On the one hand that of the American productive machine in Europe, guided by the major Hollywood studios and the producers who can hallmark the cinema of those years with their personal vision. On the other hand, that of European talents: directors and stars who made that period unforgettable and who “invaded”, marking it forever, the collective imagination of the United States of the 1950s, 60s and 70s with their charisma and their talent.


hOLLyWOOD InvAsIOnDOCUMEnTARy (nR)DIRECTED By MARCO sPAGnOLI2012, Italy

96 minutes English starring: zana Marjanovic, Goran Kostic, vanesa Glodjo, Rade serbedzija, Boris Ler, Alma Terzic

Set against the backdrop of he Bosnian War that tore the Balkan region apart in the 1990s, In the Land of Blood and Honey tells the story of Danijel and Ajla, two people from different sides of a brutal ethnic conflict. Danijel, a soldier fighting for the Serbs, and Ajla, a Bosnian held captive in the camp he oversees, knew each other before the war, and could have found love with each other. But as the armed conflict takes hold of their lives, their relationship grows darker, their motives and connection to one another ambiguous, their allegiances uncertain.

screening Time: Sunday, June 26-8:15 pm / Thursday, June 28-10:30pm

In ThE LAnD OF BLOOD AnD hOnEyDRAMA ROMAnCE WAR (nR)DIRECTED By AnGELInA JOLIE2012, USA

126 minutes Japanese with English subtitlesstarring: Kôji yakusho, Eita

The film focuses on the story of Hanshiro (Ebizo Ichikawa), an out of work samurai who visits the House of Ii in order to request to be allowed to commit Seppuku in their courtyard (the higher the prestige of a House, the more honor the shamed warrior can regain). Convinced he is bluffing in order to take advantage of the House’s good will, Kageyu (Lord Ii’s second in command) relates the harrowing story of a fellow shamed Samurai – Motome (Eita) – who had attempted a suicide bluff to gain financially, and who was made to go through with his Seppuku as an example against bluffing. Undeterred, Hanshiro affirms his intention, and requests that the House’s top samurai assist him, though they are coincidentally absent, and it quickly becomes clear that Hanshiro has more of a connection to the young Samurai than he originally confessed. screening Time : Sunday, June 26-6:30 pm / Wednesday, June 27-7:30pm

hARA KIRI: DEATh OF A sAMURAIDRAMA (R) DIRECTED By TAKAshI yAMAGIshI2011, Japan

101 minutes English starring: Willem Dafoe, sam neill, Finn Woodlock, Frances O’Connor, Morgana Davies, Jacek Koman

The Hunter is the story of Martin, a skilled and ruthless mercenary sent into the Tasmanian wilderness on a hunt for a tiger believed to be extinct. Hired by an anonymous company that wants the tiger’s genetic material, Martin arrives in Tasmania posing as a scientist. He proceeds to set up base camp at a broken-down farmhouse, where he stays with a family whose father has gone missing. Usually loner, Martin becomes increasingly close to the family; however, as his attachment to the family grows, Martin is led down a path of unforeseen dangers, complicating his deadly mission.

screening Time: Friday, June 22-10:15 pm / Saturday, June 23-6:30pm

ThE hUnTERCRIME, ACTIOn (R)DIRECTED By DAnIEL nETThEIM2011, Australia


98 minutes Italian with English subtitlesstarring: valeria Golino, Cristiana Capotondi, Luca zingaretti

Seven year-old Peppino lives in what today would be called a dysfunctional family. But since we are in Naples in 1973, the family is considered only a bit helpless. When the mother Rosaria goes into depression after discovering his father has been unfaithful, he is adopted by his young aunt and uncle, and introduced to the wilder side of Naples. Following the death of an eccentric uncle who thinks he is Superman, Peppino begins to imagine his presence, and the uncle’s ghost becomes his mentor, teaching him how to find his place in the world.

screening Time: Saturday, June 23-6:00 pm / Tuesday, June 26-8:30pm

KRyPTOnITE!COMEDy (nR)DIRECTED By IvAn COTROnEO2011, Italy

67 minutes English subtitlesstarring: Evan Louison, Andrew Katz, nathan Ramos, Aimee Cucchiaro

Old friends reunite to attend a funeral in their malaise ridden hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio after a mysterious murder. Mourning their incomprehensible loss, Marco, Aaron and Wilbur chase the ghosts of their shared past as they spiral out of boyhood and into a weekend of misplaced grief, unquestioned privilege and masculine bravado, one which will force them to come to terms with their capability of betrayal and guilt.

screening Time: Monday, June 25-8:30 pm / Tuesday, June 26-11:30pm

REDLEGsDRAMA (nR)DIRECTED By BRAnDOn hARRIs2011, USA

132 minutes Englishstarring: Michelle yeoh, David Thwelis

The Lady is the extraordinary story of Aung San Suu Kyi and her husband, Michael Aris. It is also the epic story of the peaceful quest of the woman who is at the core of Burma’s democracy movement. Despite distance, long separations, and a dangerously hostile regime, their love endures until the very end.

screening Time: Wednesday, June 27-4:15pm / Thursday, June 28-8:00pm

ThE LADyBIOGRAPhy, DRAMA (nR)DIRECTED By LUC BEssOn2011, France/UK

109 minutes Englishstarring:Morgan Freeman, virginia Madsen, Madeline Carroll, FredWillard, Emma Fuhrmann

Wheelchair- bound Monte Wildhorn is a famous Western novelist whose struggle with alcoholism has sapped his passion for writing. He takes a lakeside cabin for the summer in picturesque Belle Isle, and befriends he family next door – an attractive single mom and her young daughters – who help him find inspiration again.

screening Time: Friday, June 22-8:00pm / Thursday, June 28-8:00pm

ThE MAGIC OF BELLE IsLEDRAMA, COMEDy (PG)DIRECTED By ROB REInER2012, USA



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110 minutes, Spanish with English subtitlesstarring: Luigi sciamanna, sheila Monterola, Luis Fernandez, Antonio Delli, Pakriti Maduro

Armando Reveron was a Venezuelan painter, considered mad, who spent most of his life in a shack by the sea. The movie depicts his later life, after he meets his wife, Juanita, to his untimely death in 1954. Ultimately it is a love story between a mad genius and the woman who drives him to paint and live.

screening Time: Wednesday, June 27-7:45pm / Thursday, June 28-5:30pm

REvEROnDRAMA BIOGRAPhy (nR)DIRECTED By DIEGO RIsQUEz2011, Venezuela

90 minutes English starring: Roman Polanski, Andrew Braunsberg

Who is Roman Polanski? That’s the question at the center of “Roman Polanski: A Film Memoir,” a deeply fascinating look at the life and (sort of) career of the controversial filmmaker as told by the man himself. But this isn’t a hagiography -- the documentary doesn’t shy away from the more tabloid-worthy elements of his life (you know what we’re talking about), and is more about the events that made Polanski into the man and director we know him as. ‘A Film Memoir’ doesn’t dive into the making of his movies so much as contextualize them with where he was personally and professionally at the time. And this perspective, particularly with the participation of Polanski himself, offers a refreshing look at the filmmaker you thought you might have known.

screening Time: Tuesday, June 26-4:00pm / Thursday, June 28-10:00pm

ROMAn POLAnsKI: A FILM MEMOIRDOCUMEnTARy (R)DIRECTED By LAUREnT BOUzEREAU2011, UK/Italy/Germany

92 minutes English starring: val Lauren, Jim Parrack, Brian Goodman

Chronicles the final hours of the life of actor Sal Mineo, one-time teen idol 2-time Supporting Actor Nominee for Rebel Without a Cause and Exodus, who was murdered at the age of 37.

screening Time: Tuesday, June 26-8:15 pm / Wednesday, June 27-10:30pm

sALDRAMA BIOGRAPhy (nC17)DIRECTED By JAMEs FRAnCO2011, USA

105 minutes, Spanish with English Subtitlesstarring: Astrid Berges-Frisbey, Alvaro Cervantes, Llorenc Gonzalez

A struggling martial artist and dancer loves his girlfriend, but when he meets a fellow male dancer, serious sparks begin to fly, opening the couple up to new possibilities.

screening Time: Saturday, June 23-11:15 pm / Sunday, June 24-6:30pm

sEX OF ThE AnGELsROMAnCE, GAy/LEsBIAn (nR)DIRECTED By XAvIER vILLAvERDE2012, Spain


English with English Subtitlesstaring: nicolas Cage, Malin Ackerman, Josh Lucas

Master thief Will Montgomery (Nicolas Cage) is just release from the State penitentiary after serving a 10 year sentence, is contacted by Jonah, his ex comrade in crime, who is holding Will’s teenage daughter ransom in a hijacked taxi cab. Jonah will only surrender her when Will reveals the whereabouts of the 20 million dollars he contrived to conceal from their last robbery.

screening Time: Saturday, June 23-9:00 pm / Sunday, June 24-11:00pm / Tuesday, June 26-6:30pm

sTOLEnACTIOn (nR)DIRECTED By sIMOn WEsT2012, USA

99 minutes French with English Subtitlesstarring: Jean Texier, Clement Godefroy, Theophile Baquet

Two rival gangs of kids from different French villages engage in a merciless play war in which they take shirt buttons as trophies. Set in a French village in 1914, and based on a 1912 novel by Louis Pergaud, it draws parallels to World War II.

screening Time: Monday, June 25-4:00pm / Tuesday, June 26-10:30pm

WAR OF ThE BUTTOnsFAMILy, ADvEnTURE (G)DIRECTED By ChRIsTOPhER BARRATIER2011, France

110 minutes Arabic, Russian, English with English Subtitlesstarring: Claude Moussawbaa, nadine Labaki, yvonne Maalouf

Set in a remote village where the church and the mosque stand side by side, Where Do We Go Now? follows the antics of the town’s women to keep their blowhard men from starting a religious war. Women heartsick over sons, husbands and fathers lost to previous flare-ups unite to distract their men with clever ruses, from faking a miracle to hiring a troop of Ukranian strippers.

screening Time: Friday, June 22-5:30pm / Saturday, June 23-10:45pm

WhERE DO WE GO nOW?DRAMA, COMEDy (PG 13)DIRECTED By nADInE LABAKI2011, Lebanon

116 minutes English starring: Michelle Williams, seth Rogen, sarah silverman, Luke Kirby

Sarah Michelle Williams as Margot. A 28 year old Toronto woman who has been married for five years to Lou (Seth Rogen), a cookbook author who specializes in chicken dishes. One day she meets Daniel (Luke Kirby), her neighbor across the street, and there is a quick and lasting connection between the two. While she remains faithful to Lou, she finds herself drawn more and more to this seemingly perfect other man. Eventually, Margot is forced to confront, the truth about herself and share her feelings with her unsuspecting husband.


TAKE ThIs WALTzROMAnCE, DRAMA (R)DIRECTED By sARAh POLLEy2011, Canada


AIFF sChEDULE


97min, Spanish with English subtitles

ARUBA PREMIERE

América, the protagonist whose name might seem to evoke opportunity and safe haven, instead lives a paltry existence in the shadow of abuse and poverty in Vieques—a tiny island east of Puerto Rico. She escapes to New York to work for a wealthy family as a nanny, and with the help of other Latinas, begins to build confidence in a new life. Her lover reappears, however, and again pushes her to her limit, as she barely hangs on to her life and what is left of her dream. América’s story is one of finding the guts to say.

screening Times: Saturday, June23–2:30pm / Sunday, June 24–2:15 pmFilmmaker and talent in attendance. Preceded by short film Awa Brak.

AMéRICAnARRATIvE FEATUREDIRECTED By sOnIA FRITz2011, Puerto Rico

92min English and Papiamento with English subtitles

WORLD PREMIERE

In 2001, Bonaire sent a flock of thirty children to the biggest North American windsurfing championship in Florida. They blew everyone away, taking home twenty trophies. This was an unprecedented achievement for any country, much less a tiny Caribbean island of 13,000 people. How could an island with limited resources and no formal training facilities produce so many world-class athletes? To uncover this question, Children of the Wind follows the group of young Bonairean talents over the course of 15 years, as they journey from humble beginnings to international fame, transforming not only their island but the face of the sport worldwide. Narrated by actor Gbenga Akinnagbe (HBO’s The Wire, Showtime’s Nurse Jackie). screening Times: Saturday, June 23–8:30 pm / Sunday, June 24–2:45 pmFilmmakers and talent in attendance. Preceded by short film Beautiful.

Children of the WindDocumentary Fea tureDirected by Daphne schmon2011, USA/Bonaire

77min Spanish with English subtitles

InTERnATIOnAL PREMIERE

In the run-up to the most important day of their lives, two young baseball players from the Dominican Republic confront competition and corruption their Big-League dreams. For 16-year Dominican baseball players, or “Peloteros”, the only real chance to escape crushing poverty comes every July 2nd, the day they become eligible to sign professional baseball contracts. Pelotero provides an intimate portrait of two prospects, Miguel Angel Sanó and Jean Carlos Batista, as they navigate the calculating, mercenary and often corrupt elements the surround Major League Baseball’s recruitment of the island’s top talent. Narrated by actor John Leguizamo (Ice Age, Moulin Rouge, Carlito’s Way). screening Times: Saturday, June 23–3:00 pm / Sunday, June 24–12:30 pmFilmmakers in attendance. Preceded by shortfilm Wake Up.

BALLPLAyER: PELOTERO DOCUMEnTARy FEATUREDIRECTED By ROss FInKEL, TREvOR MARTIn AnD JOn PALEy2011, USA/Dominican Republic

CaribbeanspotlightSeriesJUNE2012

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87min,English

ARUBA PREMIERE

This sun-soaked drama chronicles the actions of Darnell Smith, a young, big-hearted St. Thomian, who is the sole breadwinner for his family and whose skills as an amateur photographer have landed him a scholarship to an esteemed school in the States. But with graduation inching closer, Darnell’s mother slips closer to death from an undiagnosed disease. Lacking the funds to afford treatment and with no one to look after his brothers and sisters, Darnell forgoes school to team up with a local crime lord in a desperate move to take care of his family and save his mother’s life. Telling a tale of redemption, Chance reveals the lengths to which many have to go in order to survive and take care of those they love, but reminds us that with faith, it is never too late for a miracle. screening Times: Saturday, June 23–12:15pm / Sunday, June 24–11:45 amFilmmakers in attendance Preceded by short film Maybe she Dies Like This

Chancenarrative FeatureDirected by Evan Kaufmann2011, U.S. Virgin Islands

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104min English with English subtitles

ARUBA PREMIERE

Derrick is a coming-of-age teenager living in a turbulent inner city community in Kingston. He aspires to be Jamaica’s next world boxing champion. However, elections are looming and politics divides the country and Derrick’s community. His father, a loyal party supporter, and Sin, the community’s feared don, forbid Derrick from going to the boxing gym, as doing so would mean Derrick would have to “cross party lines”. Derrick defiantly follows his heart—and is confronted with the serious repercussions of his decision. Ghett’a Life is an inspiring tale of overcoming adversity and ignorance, proving that unity in any country is worth fighting for.screening Times: Saturday, June 23–12:00 pm / Sunday, June 24–6:00 pmPreceded by short film Anne speaks

GhETT’A LIFEnARRATIvE FEATURE DIRECTED By ChRIs BROWnE2011, Jamaica

52min Papiamento with English subtitles

CARIBBEAn PREMIERE

The “tambú” has become an important musical expression of Curaçao and an essential part of the island’s heritage. Experienced tambú players explain the development of the tambú as the banned music of the slaves, how the instruments were made with limited resources and how the ambiguous lyrics enabled them to surreptitiously criticize those in power. Though banned for a long time, the tambú has survived all forms of repression. The vibrant, pulsating vocals provide a means of tackling all sorts of societal ills, from power hungry politicians and absent fathers to potholes in the roads. Following various singers, dancers and musicians who explain what the tambú means to them and how it is passed on though generations, Nochi No Ke Lagami Bai proves that the more you respect your own culture, the more you can respect someone else’s. screening Times: Saturday, June 23–6:15 pm / Sunday, June 24–11:45 am. Filmmaker in attendance Preceded by short films Castigate and Kima Momo 58 .

nOChI nO KE LAGAMI BAI(The night holds Me Back)

DOCUMEnTARy FEATUREDIRECTED By CATRIEn ARIëns2012, Netherlands/Curaçao

10min Papiamento with English subtitles

WORLD PREMIERE

This meditative film explores the complexity of human emotions; why we feel the way we do. Glenda is a young woman whose life is stuck in a moment. She lives in a wooden house on the beach, survives on fish, water and memories. Her intrepid search for herself is an intricate game of coping with the past and luring at the infinite future.

screening Times: Saturday, June 23–2:30 pm / Sunday, June 24–2:15 pmFilmmakers and talent in attendance followed by film América

AWA BRAKLIvE ACTIOnDIRECTED By FRAnCIsCO PARDO/RyAn ODUBER2012, Aruba

2min English

WORLD PREMIERE

A small bronze statue stands in the mi ddle of a park, reflecting on the horrors and memories that brought her there.

screening Times: Saturday, June 23–12:00 pm / Sunday, June 24–6:00 pm. Filmmaker and talent in attendance followed by film Ghett’a Life.

AnnE sPEAKsEXPERIMEnTAL DIRECTED By ADAM sTEInFELD2011, Aruba

ARUBA FLAvOR-COMPETITION SHORT ARUBA FLAvOR-COMPETITION SHORT

COMPETITION FEATURE COMPETITION FEATURE


3min English

WORLD PREMIERE

Featuring the hit song from Dutch rock band Intwine, this heartfelt visual essay expresses how human beings can contribute to a better world. How having money, a big house, or a fancy car does not guarantee happiness. And how life is about making the right choices, following your heart, and staying true to yourself.

screening Times: Saturday, June 23–8:30 pm / Sunday, June 24–2:45 pm. Filmmakers and talent in attendance. Followed by film Children of the Wind.

6min English

WORLD PREMIERE

This captivating film examines the harrowing effects of teenage bullying in today’s society.

screening Times: Saturday, June 23–6:15 pm / Sunday, June 24–11:45 amFilmmaker and talent in attendance. Followed by short film Kima Momo 58 and film nochi no Ke Lagami Bai

BEAUTIFULMUsIC vIDEO DIRECTED By PERCy JEAnDOR2012, Aruba

CAsTIGATE LIvE ACTIOnDIRECTED By LEOnARDO AGUIRRE2012, Aruba

10min, Papiamento with English subtitles

WORLD PREMIERE

A carnival queen, her king, and the mob of revelers they rule. This is a playful yet dark social commentary on the influence of power, celebrity and machismo within Caribbean society.

screening Times: Saturday, June 23–6:15 pm / Sunday, June 24–11:45 amFilmmakers and talent in attendance. Preceded by short film Castigatefollowed by film nochi no Ke Lagami Bai.

18min English

ARUBA PREMIERE

On an unbearably sunlit Sunday morning, Johnny — a man who never saw meaning in life, only chaos, only absurdity—decides to rob a church, where he meets Judy. They immediately consume each other. A love based on laughing destruction. When Johnny sends Judy to rob a bunch of drug dealers with a suitcase full of party favors, the deal goes tart and Judy ends up dead. Johnny, crushed, tries to commit suicide, but when he’s unable to do so, he decides to visit the site of his lover’s death, if only to undergo a similar fate. When he arrives at the location, however, he discovers that it wasn’t the drug dealers who killed her, and suspects the liaison he used to set up the deal. He manages to escape and goes after him to avenge his lover’s death— only to find out that Judy is still alive and that she had in fact deceived him. Johnny, torn, is left with only one choice. Dead girl. Two dead criminals. screening Times: Saturday, June 23–12:15 pm / Sunday, June 24–11:45 am. Filmmakers in attendance. Followed by film Chance

KIMA MOMO 58EXPERIMEnTALDIRECTED By RyAn ODUBER2012, Aruba

MAyBE shE DIEs LIKE ThIs… LIvE ACTIOn DIRECTED By JO hEnRIQUEz2012, USA/Aruba


AnnUALEDITION3rd

ARUBA FLAvOR-COMPETITION SHORT





8min English

WORLD PREMIERE

The main character, a yellow canary, performs his weekly routine. However, as his week continues to progress, he is constantly faced with unfortunate situations. Once the weekend arrives, he drinks his sorrows away and contemplates jumping from the top of a building. He then realizes that not only is he a bird, but he can also fly… screening Times: Saturday, June 23–3:00 pm / Sunday, June 24–12:30 pm Filmmaker in attendance. Followed by film Ballplayer: Pelotero

42min Papiamento and English with English subtitles

WORLD PREMIERE

In this inspirational documentary, we witness the contributions of nine remarkable women to the Aruban community. Driven by their love of family and a passion for making a difference, they strive relentlessly to improve the socio-economic and cultural landscape of their beloved island. All without expecting anything in return. screening Times: Wednesday, June 27–6:00 pm Filmmakers and talent in attendance. Preceded by short film senior Moments

WAKE UPAnIMATIOn DIRECTED By KEn WOLFF2012, Netherlands/Aruba

By hER hAnDDOCUMEnTARy shORT

DIRECTED By REBECCA ROOs2012, Aruba

20min Papiamento and English with English subtitles

InTERnATIOnAL PREMIERE

Two teams. Thousands of miles apart. Different languages and cultures. Yet, their love of one sport has blessed them with the chance to remain active and social on a field where it’s never too late to make new friends, where old age means the glass is not “half empty” but “half full”. screening Times: Wednesday, June 27–6:00 pm Filmmakers and talent in attendance. Followed by short film By her hand

81min Dutch with English subtitles

CARIBBEAn PREMIERE

A touching and humorous rollercoaster ride through the European filmmaking world from the 60s to the 90s, Parradox tells the story of the rise and fall of Pim de la Parra, a crazy, controversial and creative genius, and of his resurrection. Driven by women, ego and money, De la Parra celebrates life in abundance while producing and directing dozens of films, changing the entire Dutch film industry and helping many young talents on their way.

screening Times: Sunday, June 24–10:45 pm / Tuesday, June 26–6:00 pmFilmmaker and talent in attendance

sEnIOR MOMEnTsDOCUMEnTARy shORTDIRECTED By AAROn hOsé2012, USA/Aruba

PARRADOXDOCUMEnTARy FEATUREDIRECTED By In-sOO RADsTAKE2010, Netherlands/Suriname

ARUBA FLAvOR-COMPETITION SHORT ARUBA FLAvOR-SPECIAL SCREENINGS

ARUBA FLAvOR-SPECIAL SCREENINGS sPOTLIGhT On SURINAME


42min Dutch with English subtitles

WORLD PREMIERE

They still remember their pre-war life in intimate detail… their father telling them bedtime ‘anansi’ stories of his native country Suriname… a cruise departing in 1932 to a neglected colony that he called his ‘homeland’, where he would call for the organization of poverty-stricken workers… arrest and exile which forced their family back to the Netherlands where they would witness their father turn to a life of incessant reading and writing… leading to one of the most outstanding books from the shared history of Suriname and The Netherlands, “We Slaves of Suriname” (1934). Containing unique material from the De Kom Family archives, Vrede shares the memories of Ad, Cees, and Judith De Kom—all in their eighties—as they look back at their youth and the life of their famous father, writer and member of the Surinamese resistance, Anton De Kom (1898-1945). screening Times: Monday, June 25–4:00 pm / Tuesday, june 26 – 8:15 pm. Filmmaker in attendance

vREDE: hERRInERInGEn AAn AnTOn DE KOM (PEACE: MEMORIEs OF AnTOn DE KOM) DOCUMEnTARy shORTDIRECTED By IDA DOEs2012, Netherlands/Suriname


AnnUALEXCITEMENT3rd

111min Dutch, Hindustani and Sranan Tongo with English subtitles

ARUBA PREMIERE

Roy is a young black Surinamese studying in Amsterdam. When he learns that his mother is dying, he borrows money from his Dutch girlfriend to return home. There he scandalizes everyone when he begins a relationship with Rubia, a Hindu. Will Roy stay with Rubia and remain in his newly independent homeland, or will he follow his family’s wishes and return to Holland? A classic Caribbean film, Wan Pipel is Suriname’s first feature-length drama, recently and lovingly restored in the Netherlands by Eye Film Institute.

screening Times: Monday, June 25–8:00 pm. Filmmaker in attendance

WAn PIPEL (OnE PEOPLE) nARRATIvE FEATURE - DRAMA DIRECTED By PIM DE LA PARRA1976, Suriname

85min Russian and English with English subtitles

CARIBBEAn PREMIERE

In 2000, Slavik Kryklyvyy became the World Latin Dance Champion with his partner and lover Joanna Leunis. Enduring success seemed assured, but instead Slavik’s career sputtered while Leunis went on to unrivaled glory with a replacement partner. A decade later, Slavik has his sights set on a comeback. He has reteamed with a new partner—his girlfriend, amateur dance champion Anna Melnikova, and redemption seems within their grasp. But when it comes to making their relationship work both on and off the dance floor, will Slavik’s unwavering ambition prove to be his greatest asset, or his fatal flaw?

screening Times: Wednesday, June 27–10:45 pm

98min English

CARIBBEAn PREMIERE

Breast cancer has become the poster child of corporate cause-related marketing campaigns. Countless women and men walk, bike, climb and shop for the cure. Each year, millions of dollars are raised in the name of breast cancer, but where does this money go and what does it actually achieve? Pink Ribbons, Inc. is an eye-opening documentary that shows how the devastating reality of breast cancer, which marketing experts have labeled a “dream cause,” becomes obfuscated by a shiny, “pink story” of success.

screening Times: Wednesday, June 27–8:15 pm

BALLROOM DAnCERDOCUMEnTARy FEATUREDIRECTED By AnDREAs KOEFOED/ChRIsTIAn BOnKE2011, Denmark

PInK RIBBOns, InC.DOCUMEnTARy FEATUREDIRECTED By LéA POOL2011, Canada

sPOTLIGhT On SURINAME sPOTLIGhT On SURINAME

AIFF DOXnFOCUs AIFF DOXnFOCUs


Aaron hosé Caribbean spotlight series DirectorAaron Hosé is an Emmy Award-winning producer with over ten years of experience in commercial, television and non-profit production, and in documentary film. Born in the United States and raised in Aruba, Aaron is a graduate of the Valencia College Film Technology Program and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies & Cinema Studies from the University of Central Florida in 2003. As freelance producer, editor, and videographer, Aaron has worked for clients such as Florida Hospital, TMobile, American Automobile Association, the Paradies Shops, University of Florida, and the Government of Aruba. Aaron has been recognized with several industry awards, including two Suncoast Emmy Awards and two nominations between 2008 and 20011 for producing the documentary series The Gallery for UCF Television. Aaron has also produced and directed a number of independent documentaries. His debut ocumentary feature Voices in the Clouds screened at film festivals in the Caribbean, Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Australia. Aaron is also actively involved with film festivals and film organizations. He is currently the program director of the Aruba International Film Festival’s Caribbean Spotlight Series, and a mentor for the San Diego Asian Film Foundation’s Reel Voices filmmaking program.

Rebecca Roos Caribbean spotlight series Coordinator Rebecca Roos is an Aruban producer/director with over 20 years of experience in film production. Since establishing her production company in 1998, Rebecca has amassed a body of work of over 40 productions, which include documentaries, corporate videos, commercials and PSAs.She also has extensive experience in festival organization, cinema management and film distribution.

Margherita Di Paola AIFF Programmer Margherita Di Paola is a highly successful public relations professional in the international film market.She served as the US correspondent for the 65th VENICE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. Her success in this role led to her appointment as Programmer of the ARUBA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL where she manages relations with the heads of international theatrical distribution, agents, publicists, producers and directors.Margherita has collaborated with the Rome International Film Festival.In 2008 her love for the on-set production practice in international enviroments brought her to co-found Indieair Films + Communication. She has since worked on several European and US productions as Producer, successfully executing different projects: feature films, commercials, music videos, documentaries.Margherita Di Paola earned her Master's degree in Social Science with a focus on Cultural Process at the University of Rome. In 2006 she completed her education at the Los Angeles Film School.


AIFFPROGRAMMERs

The Aruba International Film Festival is proud and fortunate enough to be able to work and get the support of local and international sponsors. Together we strive to improveThe Aruba International Film Festival which benefits the cultural and tourism aspect of Aruba. We strongly advice to check out our sponsor websites.

Aruba Tourism AuthorityB MW Aruba Airport Authority

Main Sponsors

Hyatt Regency Aruba Cas Di Cultura Johnnie Walker Blue Label Johnnie Walker Black Label Paseo Herencia

Old Parr Heineken Astec N.V. Aruba Ports Authority N.V. Regeling Kultura Señor Frogs Aruba Avis Car Rental

Headline Sponsors

Official Partners

Divi Aruba Elka & Associates I Love Muzika Gold Coast Aruba Brickell Bay Beach Club Tiara Air Aruba Fofoti Tours & Transfers EPIABC Aruba Tours

ATV 15 Digicel Magic FM 96.5G lam Magazine

Media Partners

Papiamento Restaurant The Old Man and The Sea

Restaurant Partners

JEAn-PIERRE ODUBERSince 2010, Jean-Pierre “Droopy” Oduber has played a key role in the organizational structure of the Aruba International Film Festival. As Chief Administrator, Jean-Pierre manages festival finances and oversees various logistical aspects of the festival such as red carpet event production, travel and film traffic coordination. As part of the Aruba Film Productions team, Jean-Pierre also has extensive experience as location manager for commercials and industrial films.

GARETh CILIéGareth Cilié is a motion graphic artist specializing in visual effects and animation. He attended the Art Institute of Houston and the Miami International University of Art and Design. His clients include the Aruba Tourism Authority, Discovery Channel, and Univision. As producer for the Aruba International Film Festival, Gareth handles all matters pertaining to festival branding, website, logistics, and media production.


PRODUCERsAIFF

THE 3RD ANNUAL ARUBA INTL FILM FESTIVAL MAGAZINE

Documents

Transcript of THE 3RD ANNUAL ARUBA INTL FILM FESTIVAL MAGAZINE