Aviva Press

By Maria Esteves - August 12, 2009

The 32nd Asian American International Film Festival 2009 (AAIFF09) sponsored by Toyota, Opening Night New York premiere of CLAUSTROPHOBIA, written/directed by Ivy Ho, commenced Thursday, July 23, 6:45 pm, at the Chelsea Clearview Cinemas. A special Q&A session with director Ho, moderated by senior program officer of cultural programs and performing arts La Frances Hui, Asia Society, preceded the festivals Opening Night Gala Reception at BLVD.

CLAUSTROPHOBIA is a passionate film that masterly depicts a secret romance in the workplace. Tom (Ekin Cheng), a married corporate marketing manager is determined to terminate an illicit affair with his young professional assistant Pearl (Karena Lam). Pearl's shattered illusions of love are heartfelt throughout the film.  Claustrophobia's superb soundtrack includes Yo-Yo Ma's "Trout."  

CLAUSTROPHOBIA, directed by Ivy Ho | Hong Kong | 2008 | 100 min. | Romance Drama Narrative | Cantonese, Mandarin, w E/S | presented by Irresistible Films, Film Development Fund of Hong Kong | produced by Runaway Films, Mega Profit Creation production, Best Screen Writer Award winner, 2008 Hong Kong Film Critics Society; Premieres, 2009 Asian Asian American International Film Festival, New York, 2008 Berlin Film Festival. To watch the movie trailer of "Claustrophobia," go to: http://www.listal.com/video/100398288

AAIFF09 Opening Night New York Premiere of
CLAUSTROPHOBIA, writer/director Ivy Ho.

AAIFF09 Opening Night, acting executive director, John Woo,
Asian Cinevision, (right), with writer/director Ivy Ho, CLAUSTROPHOBIA.

AAIFF09 Opening Night Q&A session: (from left-right), moderator Asia
Society senior program officer of cultural programs and performing
arts, La Frances Hui, and writer/director Ivy Ho, CLAUSTROPHOBIA.

AAIFF09 Opening Night, festival director Irene A. Cifra, AAIFF.

AAIFF09 Opening Night, (from left-right), moderator Asia Society senior program officer of cultural programs and performing arts, La Frances Hui, director Ivy Ho, CLAUSTROPHOBIA, principal Lia Chang, Lia Chang Multimedia Productions, and board member Greg Chew, Asian Cinevision.