FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ASIAN AMERICAN FILM LAB
PRESENTS THE 5TH ANNUAL 72 HOUR FILM SHOOTOUT –
JUNE 20-23, 2008
New York, NY – May 10, 2008– The Asian American Film Lab (AAFilmLab) announces the Fifth Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout (“Shootout”) which will take place this year from June 20-23, 2008. The Shootout is a nationwide competition where filmmaking teams are given a common theme at the start and have 72 hours to write, shoot, edit, and complete short films up to five minutes in length. Teams compete for cash and prizes and the chance to have their films screened at film festivals, both nationally and internationally.
The intention of this competition is to create opportunities for Asian Americans to demonstrate their talent, gain exposure in the entertainment industry, and impact the visibility of Asian American stories and characters in film and television. One of the Shootout requirements is that at least one key production member (e.g., director, producer, or writer) and a principal actor from each team must be of Asian descent.
“The time constraint of the Shootout puts people into action,” states David Hou, President of AAFilmLab. “Instead of dreaming about filmmaking, contestants become filmmakers themselves and pull together their friends, family, and colleagues to make a complete film in one crazy weekend.”
The 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout begins on Friday, June 20, 2008, at 8 PM. The competition theme will be announced at the New York City launch party at 8PM at the White Rabbit Lounge (145 East Houston Street, New York, NY) and simultaneously posted on the internet at http://www.72hourfilmshootout.com. The top ten finalists will screen at this year’s Asian American International Film Festival organized by Asian Cinevision (July 10-19, 2008) to be held at the Asia Society in New York City.
This year’s Shootout will include a special category juried by the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA). Films that incorporate Chinatown as a location or narrative device are entered into the “Chinatown Award” category. Selection of the winning film will be decided by both MOCA and AAFilmLab. The inclusion of the Chinatown element of a film has no bearing whatsoever on judging for other award categories. Award will be comprised of in-kind services totaling $3000 from Deluxe New York. Deluxe New York is a brand new state-of-the-art film lab and post-production facility. This generous in- kind award can be applied towards any combination of Deluxe New York’s services, from film developing and processing to telecine and color correction to digital intermediates and printing.
In connection with the Shootout, AAFilmLab will be hosting several pre-launch events including workshops and mixers for anyone interested in competing and a post-screening wrap party. For further information about AAFilmLab and the Shootout, including viewing past winning films, please visit us on the web at http://www.aafilmlab.org and http://www.72hourshootout.com.
About Asian American Film Lab (AAFilmLab)
The Asian American Film Lab (AAFilmLab) began as collaborative of New York-based filmmakers whose goals are to hone their craft and to share their knowledge, experience and resources. The membership has grown to comprise professionals, artists, and talented individuals who all share the common goal of creating great film and to promote Asian American filmmakers and the visibility of their stories and characters in film and television.
AAFilmLab’s programming includes filmmaking workshops with industry professionals, screenwriting contests, and film competions including the annual 72 Hour Film Shootout. This annual competition, now in its fifth year, has inspired hundreds of filmmakers by helping nascent talent take brave steps towards a filmmaking career.
Asian American Film Lab is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Membership and all contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
http://www.aafilmlab.org
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About Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA)
About the Chinatown Film Project
To mark a period of enormous expansion, MOCA is producing a film project which will premiere in its new galleries and be screened through Winter/Spring 2009. MOCA in partnership with IFP/Filmmaker Magazine is inviting ten New York filmmakers to contribute 5 minute pieces featuring NY Chinatown through narrative, documentary, and experimental media formats. Wayne Wang, Jonas Mekas, Miguel Arteta and Sam Pollard are among the contributing filmmakers.
The film project though beginning in New York, will expand to an international scope:
10 international filmmakers will present perspectives of Chinatowns in Yokohama, Barcelona, Havana, and Paris. For the public, a satellite website will be established in partnership with YouTube where anyone in the world with Internet access can upload personal videos about their local Chinatowns. About Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) The Museum was started as an oral history project 28 years ago as an organized effort to save stories that were dying off. Despite being overlooked because of its location and its miniscule physical space, it has managed to significantly impact its surrounding community and create a national profile for itself—all from deep in the heart of Chinatown. After more than 28 years of collecting artifacts, archival and library materials, it is one of the most important national assemblage of materials about 20th century Chinese life in America.
This year everything changes for the Museum. In July 2008, MOCA will move its galleries and offices to a new 14,000 sq ft ground floor space designed by Maya Lin, iconic architect of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The total physical space and facilities
will multiply to six times its current size.
Please visit http://www.mocanyc.org for more information and http://www.youtube.com/mocanyc to view the films
Contact: Peter Chin
Asian American Film Lab
Shootout Director
Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
ShootoutPressRelease_052308.pdf
