The 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition 

An annual, global filmmaking competition celebrating diversity in front of and behind the camera.  

Teams compete for access to a year of free educational and networking events, mentorships with executives at NBC, ABC, and more, cash, prizes and the chance to have their films screened at film festivals, both nationally and internationally.  The competition creates a valuable opportunity for filmmakers of color – focusing on Asian American filmmakers – and women to demonstrate their talent, gain exposure in the entertainment industry and impact the visibility of diverse stories and characters in film. 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.

Past Judges include hip hop icon Russell Simmons, producer Teddy Zee, ABC Primetime Casting Director Marci Phillips and playwright David Henry Hwang, among others. 

The top 40 films will roll out on AAFL TV.  Subscribe for free at YouTube.com/asamfilmlab so you get to see them all! 

FREE networking and educational filmmaking workshops March – June and, for the top ten, screenings, screen tests and network TV mentorships!

Registration for the 2020 72 Hour filmmaking Shootout is available here from March 1 – June 4! Compete from anywhere in the world!

The actual Shootout itself takes place the first Thursday – Sunday of June. Films are based on a common theme which is announced online that Thursday evening at 8pm EST.

Join us and smash some glass ceilings!  

Email Tyler@film-lab.org for more info.

• Stay posted via our homepage, Facebook and Twitter. LIKE and at Facebook.com/72HrShootout for up-to-the-moment news and updates!
• Check out our 72 Hour Shootout Gallery
• Read about us in The Huffington Post and Backstage Magazine