The Asian American Film Lab (AAFilmLab) is pleased to announce that Russell Simmons has joined the judging panel of the Eighth Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout (“Shootout”), which will take place this summer under the auspices of and in collaboration with Asian CineVision. Forbes Magazine recently named Russell Simmons one of “Hollywood’s Most Influential Celebrities” and USA Today named Russell Simmons one of the “Top 25 Most Influential People of the Past 25 Years,” calling him a “hip-hop pioneer” for his groundbreaking vision.

The Shootout is a worldwide competition in which filmmaking teams are given a common theme at the start and then have 72 hours to write, shoot, edit, and complete short films up to five minutes in length. Teams compete for cash, prizes and the chance to have their films screened at film festivals, both nationally and internationally. The competition creates a valuable opportunity for Asian American filmmakers to demonstrate their talent, gain exposure in the entertainment industry and impact the visibility of Asian American 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. Registration is available on-line at www.aafilmlab.org/72hours until June 15, 2012.

AAFilmLab’s first female president, Jennifer Betit Yen, and Advisory Board Member, Peter Chin, will be overseeing the 2012 Shootout programming. In addition to Russell Simmons, judges for this year’s Shootout include producer Teddy Zee, ABC Executive Director of Casting Marci Phillips, Cinematographer Eric Lin, and actors Brian Yang, Michelle Krusiek and James Kyson Lee. Sponsors include MyJennyBook.com, The White Rabbit, Ronni Nicole, Handmade Soaps by Olivia, The Rouge Royale, DJ Mr. Adams, and Little Anchor.

About Russell Simmons
Forbes Magazine recently named Russell Simmons one of “Hollywood’s Most
Influential Celebrities.” USA Today named Russell Simmons one of the “Top 25
Most Influential People of the Past 25 Years,” calling him a “hip-hop pioneer” for his
groundbreaking vision that has influenced music, fashion, finance, the jewelry industry, television and film, as well as the face of modern philanthropy. From creating his seminal Def Jam Recordings in 1984, to his fashion industry changing brands including Phat Farm in 1992, Baby Phat in 2001 and current men’s lifestyle brand Argyleculture, to founding UniRush in 2003 providing instant access to a set of basic financial services for over 48 million Americans who could not previously establish traditional banking relationships, to the 2007 publishing of his New York Times best-seller Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success, to founding GlobalGrind.com, the leading online destination for celebrity entertainment, music, culture and politics for the new, postracial America and his latest New York Times best-seller “SUPER RICH: A Guide To Having It All”, Russell is recognized globally for his influence and entrepreneurial approach to both business and philanthropy. Giving back is of primary importance to him in all aspects of life and as Chairman and CEO of Rush Communications, he has consistently leveraged his influence in the recording industry, fashion, television, financial services, and jewelry sectors to give back. A devoted yogi, Russell also leads the non-profit division of his empire, Rush Community Affairs, and its ongoing commitment to empowering at-risk youth through education, the arts, social
engagement, and promoting racial harmony and strengthening inter-group relations.

Russell is a native New Yorker who attended City College of New York.

Russell has two daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee.