The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Awards a Grant to the Asian American Film Lab

NEW YORK - Dec. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- New York, NY – DECEMBER 23, 2013 – Just in time for the holidays, The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce (The “MCC”) has awarded the Asian American Film Lab (The “Film Lab”) a grant for its programming focused on diversity initiatives in the arts.  This is the second grant The MCC has awarded the Film Lab since December 2012 and the funds have constituted critical support for the Film Lab’s diversity, education and outreach programming, which is generally offered to the public free of charge.  “We are very grateful to The MCC for its support of diversity and arts initiatives and we look forward to putting this grant to good use in support of more diversity television and film related programming in 2014,” Film Lab President Jennifer Betit Yen said.

The MCC is a non-profit member organization, which serves as a primary resource and help for small and mid-size firms doing business in Manhattan. The MCC represents the voice of over 100,000 companies in Manhattan and partners with over 300 diverse business organizations. The MCC supports the business community through advocating for positive business legislation, hosting 3-4 monthly networking events and seminars, expanding marketing opportunities and international outreach. The MCC’s mission is to advocate for, connect and educate the business community in Manhattan. The MCC is also focused on providing opportunities for women and minority business owners (http://www.manhattancc.org/business_resource_guide/mcc_mw...), veterans (http://www.manhattancc.org/Business_Resource_Guide/Vetera...) and workforce development (http://www.manhattancc.org/business_resource_guide/workfo...).

The Film Lab is a non-profit 501(c)(3) headquartered in New York City that provides free or low cost programming to promote and support ethnic and gender diversity in film and television.  Its programs and newest production arm, AAFL TV, have been featured most recently on CUNY TV (http://youtu.be/NwHXHD00YIM).  The membership has grown to comprise professionals, artists and other talented individuals who all share the common goal of creating great film and promoting Asian American filmmakers and other filmmakers of color, and the visibility of their stories and characters in film and television.  Film Lab’s programming includes filmmaking workshops with industry professionals, screenwriting contests, and film competitions including the annual 72 Hour Filmmaking Shootout, which has inspired hundreds of filmmakers by helping nascent talent take brave steps towards a filmmaking career.  The Film Lab management team consists of Jennifer Betit Yen (President and Board Member), Aurora Betson (Grants & Fundraising), Dan Finley (Industry Spotlight Coordinator), Daryl King (Connections), and Lorna Nowve (Unfinished Works), along with a dedicated Board, interns and event volunteers.  For more information, please visit www.asianamericanfilmlab.com or email info@film-lab.org.  The next Film Lab event, which will be free and open to the public, will consist of a Writing for Television Industry Spotlight program in Manhattan on January 30, 2014, featuring a panel of television writers who will share their stories, insights and advice about how writers can get on and successfully stay on a career path in the television industry.