The 32nd Annual 2009 Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF ‘09) sponsored by Toyota, the official vehicle sponsor will be held in select theaters in New York, July 23 - 26, 2009. The festival founded in 1978 by Asia Cinevision with Asia Society, is the first and longest running international independent festival in the country that supports emerging and established directors of Asian and Asian American descent. AAIFF annually showcase film, video, and music to enrich New York's Asian arts community.

This year's festival lineup include 14 feature and 50 short films from ten countries; seven world premieres, two international premieres and ten New York premieres; along with panel discussions, Q&A sessions, gala receptions, awards ceremony and special events.

2009 Asian American International Film Festival select theaters are Clearview Chelsea Cinemas, 260 West 23 St., School of Visual Arts (SVA) Theatre, 333 West 23 St., and the Shorts program at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), 211 Centre St.

AAIFF ‘09 Opening Night New York premiere of CLAUSTROPHOBIA, directed by Ivy Ho, will be held at Chelsea Clearview Cinemas, Thursday, July 23, 6:45 PM. A special Q&A session with director Ho will precede the Opening Night Gala Reception at BLVD.

AAIFF ‘09 Centerpiece Presentation film CHILDREN OF INVENTION, directed by Tze Chun, will be held at SVA Theatre, Saturday July 25, 7:45 PM. A special Q&A session with director Chun will precede the Centerpiece Presentation Gala Reception at 310 Lounge.

AAIFF ‘09 Closing Night New York Premiere of FRUIT FLY, directed by H.P. Mendoza, will be held at Chelsea Clearview Cinemas, Saturday, July 25, 6:00 PM. AAIFF '09 Closing Night Gala Reception will follow at Velour.

For further information regarding AAIFF '09 schedule lineup or to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.aaiff.org.

Maria Estevez