Legendary leading man and activist Richard Gere will open the inaugural Aruba International Film Festival (AIFF) as its official host when the Festival unspools this June. In addition to opening the Festival, Gere will be bestowed with a special humanitarian award and participate in the Festival's "In Conversations With" series engaging the Festival audience.

"Richard Gere is a man whose amazing career is matched only by his remarkable and ongoing humanitarian pursuits," said AIFF artistic director Claudio Masenza. "Onscreen, and off, Richard has an iconic presence and is revered around the world. We are both honored and excited to have him attend the first Aruba International Film Festival and take such an active role in the event."

In addition to its film screenings, the Aruba fest will feature filmmaker workshops, panels and master classes to educate and encourage local Aruban filmmakers. The festival, which runs through June 11, was founded by fest producers Giuseppe Cioccarelli and Jonathan Vieira.