Paseo Herencia, Aruba- Travel Squire

Aruba International Film Festival

On June 10, the 2nd annual Aruba International Film Festival (AIFF) will begin with an appearance from Golden Globe Award-winning actress Kim Cattrall (Samantha Jones in “Sex and the City”). Why is such a recognizable actress, especially one most famous for portraying the fast, city life of New York City, making an appearance in the small island of Aruba of all places? It’s because Aruba’s weeklong film festival—featuring showings of more than 25 international movies from the United States, South America, Europe, and the Caribbean—is rapidly becoming the film industry’s newest “must-attend” event.

Cattrall will be one among many notable members of the film community. Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme will be there for the showing of his new film, “The Agronomist,” while Academy Award-nominated director Milcho Manchevski will be revealing two new films, “Before the Rain” and “Mother.” Rapper and actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson will also attend to promote his role in “Things Fall Apart.”

Those celebrities, plus many more, are indicative of the hype that is building for Aruba’s festival. For a whole week, the tiny Caribbean island of Aruba will revolve around filmmaking and the creativity and culture associated with it. This festival is special because it boasts a casual atmosphere to match the relaxed, sunny disposition of the island and its people.

There will be red carpet events, plenty of paparazzi, and probably some elite after-parties, but a focal point of the AIFF is to encourage and educate young filmmakers. To do this, the festival features the “In Conversation With” series, which provides a forum for discussion between audience members and filmmakers, including Cattrall, Demme, Manchevski, award-winning wardrobe designer Michael Kaplan, and several others. Attendees will also be able to attend the many special parties and events scheduled during the week.

The island itself is only a four-hour flight from New York City, and who really needs an excuse to hop on a plane to the Caribbean? The average annual temperature is 82°F and the trade winds blow through year-round. It’s a very accessible, small island, but it contains 28 hotels and resorts, championship golf courses, luxurious spas, casinos, excellent local cuisine, world-class beaches, and clubs and cafes with live music.

For this occasion, Aruba’s Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort offers 30% off nightly rates and FREE room upgrade for guests visiting for the film festival. The first 15 to book rooms will also receive tickets for the Exclusive Press Party on June 11. Another great resort in the area is the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino, which is right on the beach and features the island’s largest casino. Both resorts are within walking distance of the festival event locations.

This wonderful combination of film and leisure, of Hollywood industry and island atmosphere, is coming up soon, so tell your boss today that you’re taking a vacation, and get on a plane to Aruba ASAP.www.arubafilmfest.com