Forging strong ties with filmmakers and organizations both locally and around the globe, AIFF plans to bring the best of indie films to greater Boston for film buffs and casual viewers alike. During contentious times around the world, the festival aims to use the power of film and storytelling to facilitate empathy and understanding.
New executive director seeks to create hub for creativity
Jaina Cipriano is the new executive director. of AIFF. Cipriano is an accomplished filmmaker and experiential designer known for exploring the emotional toll of religious and romantic entrapment, allowing those emotions to translate onscreen to be felt deeply by her audience. Founder of the design company Finding Bright Studios, she has created immersive spaces for notable brands and won the grand prize at the Lonely Seal Film Festival for her short film “Trauma Bond.” Her upcoming limited series “The Impostor Syndrome” will premiere in early 2025.
“I’m interested in honing a platform that uplifts voices from all backgrounds and creates opportunities for connection and learning,” said Cipriano in a news release. “A big thing for me is developing a hub for experiences, creativity, and exploration. I think that the art scene in Boston is slowly changing and evolving, and I want this festival to be part of that change. We need to create more spaces for different types of artists to express themselves, and I’m here to help that process however we can.”
This year’s festival celebrates connection and empathy by sharing diverse stories. The festival will feature works including the following:
- “Safety State,” featuring LGBTQIA+ characters standing in solidarity in the face of adversity
- “The Books He Did Not Burn,” a piece showing the remains of Adolf Hitler’s private library and encouraging community reflection and critical conversations on societal thinking
- “Suddenly,” a film navigating identity and self-exploration and discussions on personal agency and cultural expectations
- “Wild Birds,” bringing to light critical issues faced by the Latinx community
- “I Am Kanaka,” featuring a native Hawaiian hero preserving his culture through his work with disadvantaged youth
- “Halkocha,” a timely film displaying the interactions between two characters, a Palestinian and an Israeli, while confronting cultural bias and encouraging empathy
- “Last Call,” a piece dedicated to the struggle of navigating depression and grief as a mother
These examples are joined by many other thought-provoking and powerful films.
To purchase tickets to this year’s Arlington International Film Festival, go here >> Tickets are $12 for individual categories and $99 for an all-access pass.
To learn more about the festival, visit aiffest.org/, or find it on Instagram @arlingtonfilmfest, on Facebook @arlingtoninternationalfilmfest, or on Twitter @aiffest.
About AIFF
Founded in 2010 by Alberto Guzman and April Ranck Guzman and now led by Executive Director Jaina Cipriano, the Arlington International Film Festival offers a platform for innovative storytelling and creative expressions of lived experiences. Based in Arlington, this organization is committed to shedding light on the many diverse stories that enrich our community and connect audiences across the globe.
The annual international festival held each fall highlights the shared values that unite us all while also celebrating films that explore the many facets of life.
Oct. 5, 2024: International film fest sold; labor of love stays local
This news announcement was published Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, based on a release from Amber Krasinski of IvyHill Strategies.
