Aruba International Film Festival Highlights

Aruba International Film Festival

Needless to say, the spectacular weather and setting of the Caribbean island of Aruba makes it a popular choice for tourists. Now they can combine a relaxing Caribbean adventure with an exciting film festival. The Aruba International film festival takes place in June and draws international stars and public figures, including the actor Richard Gere, Academy nominated screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga and Prime Minister Mike Eman.

The 2010 festival took place from June 4 through June 11. To follow is an introduction to give you a taste of the variety of films on show. Here is an introduction to two films from this year's festival, Hachiko, A Dog's Tale, and Boy Ecury.

Hachiko, A Dog's Tale, is a drama directed by Leslie Hallstrom and written by Stephen P. Lindsey. The story revolves around an abandoned Akita dog which is found at a train station. The dog is discovered by the professor, Parker Wilson. He takes it home and when no one claims the dog, the professor names it Hachiko.

The dog follows his master to the train station every day and meets him there when he gets home from work. One day, the dog's master departs and never comes back. Although his master has passed away, Hachiko returns faithfully to the station each day for nine years.

This heart warming film is about the bond between man and dog as well as the people that Hachiko meets on his daily travels to the train station. The moral of the tale is how an animal can teach humans about loyalty and love. Hachiko, A Dog's Tale is an American adaptation of a Japanese story.

Boy Ecury is a film from the Netherlands written by Arthur Japin and directed by Frans Wiesz. It centers on a boy from Aruba who is sent to boarding school in the Netherlands by his businessman father. Known as simply 'Boy', the main character joins the Resistance when World War II breaks out. Just before the time of the liberation, Boy is captured and executed by the Germans.

The beginning of the film captures a moment ten years later when Boy's father, Dundun Ecury, arrives in the Netherlands to try to find the body of his son. All he has to go on is that Boy died with a smile upon his face. Dundun soon meets Ewoud, the suspected murderer of Boy. The internal conflicts of Dundun are fascinating as he begins to project his feelings for Boy on to Ewoud. This film is based on a true story of a family from Aruba. The events have been commemorated with a statue of Boy Ecury which has been placed in Oranjestad. The story was also featured in a television documentary and a book.

These compelling films are just a small sample of what is on offer at the Aruba International Film Festival. Besides the great weather, beautiful surroundings and star guests, festival goers will appreciate the affordable prices. Tickets for many films cost around $7.00. You can find more information about the festival online.