HOLY S#!T

I guess I should share our 2026 72 Hour Shootout entry since it ended up winning first place.

I’ve been participating in Asian American Film Lab Inc‘s 72 Shootout since 2012. Teams are given a surprise theme on the first Thursday of June and have exactly 72 hours to write, shoot, edit, and complete a short film up to 5 minutes in length. This year’s theme was “Erasure Protocol.”

To be clear, I’m just a guy with a desk job who spends one weekend a year making a movie. Most of the other participants work in the film and television industry or studied filmmaking, and I am always blown away by their visual and narrative creativity. They know how to create slick lighting, clear sound, and cinematic movements that I simply don’t know how to replicate.

Lacking the skill sets to create a “cinematic” film, I lean into the one tool I can wield with some expertise- my voice.

I am incredibly proud of this short, 5-minute film that Chevon, Kweli, and I made over a single weekend in June. Like any project made in 72 hours, when I watch it now, all I can see and hear are the technical things I would have changed if I had more time.

With the Rick Chow acquittal happening just days before the clock started, I couldn’t focus on trying to make something “pretty.” I had to make something raw. I chose to strip away the music, use absolute minimalism, and just record a piece of an honest, heavy conversation that my wife and I are having with our daughter.

I’ve learned over time that speaking my truth has consequences. As a teenager, I left the small liberal arts college that I attended, and later in life severed ties with the running community because they refused to accept what I said. I am grateful that the Asian American Film Lab created this space where we can share our truths.

This film is dedicated to Corky Lee and Sean Callaway.

Thank you to my parents, my brother Jack and his wife Jennie.

Thank you to Team TriScribe- Francis, Yuan-Kwan, and Sally for introducing me to the 72 Hour Shootout, and inviting me to join their team. And thank you to everyone who has ever taken the time to act or crew for us over the years.

Thank you to all of the other participants for inspiring and intimidating me.

Thank you to Chevon and Kweli for putting up with me, and trusting me with your truths.

Latasha Harlins would have been 50 years old today.

Cyrus Carmack-Belton would have been 17 years old today.

They should still be alive.

May they rest in power.